Friday, August 30

Semifinals

APR 92-91 REG

Patriots 83-71 Kepler

Star point guard Isaiah Miller was at the top of his game as his 32 points inspired APR basketball club to a nail-biting overtime win over Rwanda Energy Group (REG) 92-91 on Friday night, August 30 in Game 1 of the betPawa playoffs.

The playoffs, which took place refurbished Petit Stade indoor facility, started with intensity and combativity given that, among other reasons, the champions will represent Rwanda in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL).

REG took the first quarter 24-20 but APR bounced back to claim the second 20-18, opening a two-point lead before the pair headed into halftime break.

Returning for the second half, REG continued to put up a fight, taking the third quarter 25-18, but APR overcame the deficit and too the fourth quarter.

The Lions were leading 25-13 with just 8 seconds before Antino Alvalezes scored a three-point buzzer to tie the game at 83-83 and force the game into overtime which gave a lifeline and ultimate victory to APR, in the game that had almost been snatched by REG.

Miller was the man of the show after contributing a game high 32 points. He also contributed 7 rebounds and 7 assists while Aliou Diarra and Ntore Habimana added 22 and 10 points respectively.

In the earlier game of the day, Patriots took Game 1 of the best-of-five semifinal playoffs series after coming from behind to defeat Kepler 83-71.

The teams return to action for Game 2 on Sunday, September 1 at Petit Stade.