IPRC-South crowned 2016 hoops playoff champions

Sunday Men’s finals: Game 4 IPRC-South 58-56 Patriots Third-place: Game 3 Espoir 57-69 IPRC-Kigali Integrated Polytechnic Regional Center of South Province, IPRC-South, were on Sunday night crowned the 2016 basketball Play-offs champions after overcoming Patriots 58-56 in Game 4, to win the best-of-five finals series 3-1. It is history made for the Huye-based side, who came from a game behind to defeat and reigning regular season league champions in three consecutive games on the way to a historic first major title in the club’s short history. IPRC-South made their national basketball league debut 18 months ago. Like it was the case in Game 3 on Friday, IPRC-South started Game 4 on a slow pace, losing the first quarter 20-13 but recovered to take the next three quarters 13-12, 16-11 and 16-13 respectively to deny Henry Mwinuke’s Patriots a treble. Patriots had already won the league and Genocide memorial regional tournament and all they needed was playoff title to complete a historic treble. Point-guard Yesman Bushiri, skipper Bienvenue Niyonsaba and Rwanda international Sunny Niyomugabo led the IPRC-South charge to glory. The prominent quartet of Ally Kubwimana Kazingufu, Aristide Mugabe, Walter Nkurunziza and Jean de Dieu Ntagunduka could not save the series for the Kagugu-based Patriots. “We showed maturity and competitive character, the title is a result of hard work, team spirit and commitment, well deserved. Players gave their all for this success; it’s a humbling moment for everyone at the club,” said IPRC-South coach, Charles Mushumba, who was brought in to guide the club through the playoffs, told Times Sport. Patriots captain Ally Kubwimana Kazingufu was named the 2015/2016 season Most Valuable Player (MVP). editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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IPRC-South crowned 2016 hoops playoff champions