Liberation tournament

Finals

APR    98-66   New Star

APR roared to their second successive Liberation title after an easy 98-66 win over Burundi’s New Star on Sunday. The Indomitable Lions who had registered a massive 102-59 semi-final victory over Burundi’s Dynamo kept their rhythm going in the final.

Bienvenue Ngandu playing in his first Liberation tournament, had 20 points to lead the defending champions but it was Kami Kabange who turned the tide, scoring 11 fourth-quarter points after a shaky start.

APR had been given a scare in the third quarter when New Star cut down their point deficit from 23 to just nine points but Kabange made a dramatic return to finish off with 18 points after scoring a meagre seven in the first three quarters.

"When they narrowed the gap at the end of the third quarter, pressure was on us. We had to re-organise our selves and I’m happy that we managed to do it,” APR’s coach Cliff Owuor said after winning his 12th title with the club.

The atmosphere inside the Amahoro indoor courts was electric with anticipation of a thrilling final after an impressive run to the final from both clubs.

On top of the Liberation trophy, APR was also presented with Frw300.000 in cash prize courtesy of the local basketball governing body (Ferwaba).

Ends