Wednesday, April 3
Inspire Generation Vs Espoir 6pm
Patriots Vs UGB 8pm
Patriots Basketball Club will be keen to avoid a slip-up against United Generation Basketball (UGB) on Wednesday, April 3, as they seek to finish the first round of the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League unbeaten.
The pair will be rubbing shoulders at Lycée de Kigali (LDK) Gymnasium.
Henry Mwinuka’s Patriots are unbeaten in their last eight games so far this season and the former champions are poised to overcome UGB’s threat to finish the first round leading the table.
Mwinuka told Times Sport that his players are ready for UGB’s test but he cautioned them against complacency and avoid to take any opponent lightly in their title chase.
"I have spoken with my players and they all understand why this game [against UGB] is crucial. We can’t afford to be complacent,” said the Tanzania-born tactician in an interview on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: "I have no words” – Mwinuka salutes Patriots’ players after beating APR
UGB beware!
The league leaders are facing a UGB side which is aware a win would push them into the top four before the end of the first round of the league.
To achieve the target, UGB head coach Yves Murenzi called for focus and determination among his players against Patriots.
"We are facing a solid side, we have to be very wise and vigilant, otherwise, unwanted mistakes can lead to a negative result. We are in good form and I believe beating the Patriots is possible,” said Murenzi
Wednesday’s result will change the league rankings anyhow. While beating UGB would see Patriots move at the top, a reverse result would also see UGB capitalize on Kepler’s loss against REG and climb to within the top four places.
Before the game, Espoir will play against Inspire Generation at 6pm, same ground.
Rwanda Basketball League is currently in its first round. The teams will play the return leg after which the top four teams will qualify for the semifinal playoffs.
The semifinals will be played in the best-of-five series while the finals will be in a best-of-seven format.
ALSO READ: Basketball: Perry drops 24 as Patriots stun APR
The men’s league champions will represent Rwanda at the 2025 season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Ranking
APR 17 points
Patriots 16 points
REG 14 points
Kepler 12 points
Tigers 12 points
UGB 10 points
Espoir 10 points
Orion 9 points
Kigali Titans 8 points
Inspire Generation 8 points.