As the epic showdown between two local basketball powerhouses, APR and the Patriots, looms on Wednesday, March 20, fans have voiced their expectations for the upcoming match.

With both teams vying for the league title, the encounter promises to be a thrilling derby.

Currently, APR sits atop the league table with 12 points, tied with the Patriots in second place, although APR holds the advantage with a superior point differential.

Times Sport reached out to fans of both clubs to gather their thoughts on the upcoming game.

Here's what they had to say:

Arnold Kwizera, Patriots’ fan

I think I rate our chances any day against APR. We have struggled on the boards in a few of our games but I think the arrival of Big Nik solves this. We have the best point guard in the league in Perry and Steven has come of age. It’s going to be a nail biter and could go either way but I rate our chances.

Strengths; Our wings (Dieudonné Ndizeye and Steven Hagumintwari play both ends of the floor)

But we also have the best coach in the league. I think no coach can get out of a group of players as much as Henry (Mwinuka) does for the Patriots team.

APR is the deepest team in the league. Any of the 12 match day players can go on a run and hurt you.

Thierry Rurangirwa, APR fan

We hope to win because we have been doing well for a long time. Since last year, the team that has been built is at a high level.

We have about 95 percent chance to beat the Patriots because we have been carrying out preparations for a long time, both here in the country and outside. The team was recently in Qatar where they played different games and beat big teams in that country. This is as opposed to the Patriots who usually play only in the local league.

Evode Rummenigge, APR fan

Tomorrow, I have to defend my title. It is the Patriots who have to fear the champions. Lat year I won three consecutive games against them (in the playoffs). The Patriots should be afraid to play against the champions. My chances tomorrow are at 90 percent.

Athan Tashobya, Patriots’ fan

First and foremost, I hold immense respect for both clubs, APR and Patriots, as they hold a special place in my heart. However, the Patriots hold a particularly significant position in basketball. The club's rich history and the incredible work being done by the management behind the scenes truly resonates with me, and I wholeheartedly support their vision. That being said, APR is equally dear to me.

To address your question, the only conceivable way Patriots could triumph over APR is if every player on their roster gives their absolute best, pushing themselves to 200 percent. APR boasts a sizable and deep roster, with players who have been diligently training together for a considerable time, especially in preparation for the BAL.

Conversely, Patriots are currently in a phase of rebuilding following the tumultuous events of last season. Despite this, they are showing promising progress.

Unlike REG, which fell to the Patriots, APR benefits from a strong technical bench and coaching staff. Considering these factors, I believe APR holds the advantage in this matchup. The competition is incredibly close, but APR appears to have the edge to emerge victorious.

(Regarding the strengths of the Patriots): The athleticism of Frank Kamndoh (Patriots’ power forward), the size brought in by the new addition Big Nic (Patriots center Nikola Scekic), the shooting prowess of William Perry, the leadership of Kenny Gasana, and the experience of Steve (Hagumintwari) and Gaston (Dieudonne Ndizeye), presents a formidable challenge for APR.

Wednesday's game will serve as a litmus test, indicating just how prepared APR is to vie for the BAL title.