Friday, September 20

Game 5

APR 80-78 Patriots (APR lead series 3-2)

Star point guard Isaiah Miller stole the show, scoring 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to inspire APR to a commanding 80-78 Game 5 comeback win over Patriots on Friday night, September 20.

It a crazy comeback that sent thousands inside the BK Arena into a frenzy as the American delivered when his side needed him most before being fouled out in the final seconds of the finals game.

With the win Rwanda, the Rwandan champions are now a win away from retaining the Rwanda Basketball League title prior to Sunday’s decisive Game 6.

APR stepped on the floor on the heels of a Game 4 loss (61-49), and they were on the brink of losing Game 5 when Patriots opened a 16-point lead in the first two quarters (54-38) but the Lions refused to give up so easy.

A comeback looked the most likely when APR cut the lead by just four points (62-58) at the end of the third quarter.

After Coach James Maye’s side made a solid change of play in the fourth quarter, their details were precise and consistent, forcing the Patriots to make untimely roster changes.

Before the comeback, APR looked like that same team that so many, including its own fan base, though they had lost Game 5 considering club infamous performance in the second half. But it was their rivals who suffered a comeback that could cost them a championship should they lose Game 6 on Sunday.

Patriots’ main man Branch Stephaun caught fire since the start of the game, scoring a game high of 31 points. He also ditched 12 rebounds but Miller proved to be a menace against Henry Mwinuka’s side.

His stellar performance, which also included 8 rebounds and three steals, was supported by Aliou Diarra’s 15 points to seal a hard-fought victory for the army side.

It was the duo that also stressed APR’s defence from the very beginning.

Game 6 of the BetPawa finals is scheduled for Sunday, September 22.

A win would see APR successfully defend the title they won in 2023 while the Patriots will also be looking to win the game and force the finals series to Game 7 if they are to lift the championship they last witnessed in 2020.