Basketball: Espoir seek to defend Gisembe memorial title

Friday semi-final fixtures Espoir vs UGB 6pmPatriots vs IPRC Kigali 8pm Saturday results Espoir 74-54 U-18 Boys team After sealing a semi-final slot on Saturday javing overcome league archrivals U-18 boys team in a hard fought 74-54 victory of the ongoing Gisembe memorial tournament, organisers Espoir Basketball Club are keen to defend their title for this year’s edition. In a tough, entertaining and highly competitive game, from the beginning to the end, Espoir won the first quarter 15-11 before U-18 boys team claimed the second quarter 20-12. However, Jean Bahufite’s side managed to bounce back to win the last two quarters 22-12 and 25-11, respectively, to finish on top of Group A, hence a slot in the semi-finals set for Friday. Espoir are seeking to save their campaign this year by winning the duo of Gisembe national and international tournaments which they won last year. “We have to win this tournament as we also prepare for the international edition slated for June 17-19, our target is to win both events to finish this season with a silverware,” said Bahufite Espoir will take on United Generation Basketball that finished second in Group B, while league champions and title hopefuls Patriots, who topped Group B, will play IPRC-Kigali. The four teams have automatically booked tickets to the forthcoming international GMT of which five clubs have officially confirmed to take part. These include PJB-Goma and Boundess Bukavu (all from DR Congo)in the men’s category, as well as Scandanavia basketball club, and Berco stars from Burundi in the women’s category. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Basketball: Espoir seek to defend Gisembe memorial title