REG, Patriots to clash in hoops pre-season final

Coach Jean Bahufite’s team stormed the final of pre-season basketball tournament after defeating his former club Espoir 67-56 on Sunday at Amahoro Indoor Stadium, and will now face reigning league champions Patriots, who overcame APR 58-47 in the other semi final. REG started on a poor note losing the first quarter 11-17, but recovered to win the second quarter 18-12 before dominating the third quarter 17-14 and sealing victory in the last quarter 21-13. Centre forward Varley Kajeguhakwa scored the game high 16 points, while shooting forward Patrick Nshizirungu scored 15 points and team captain Ali Kazingufu added seven points. REG sealed their semi-final place with top spot in Group A after their 49-40 victory over IPRC-Kigali earlier on Saturday. After the game, Bahufite was happy with his team’s performance, saying that, “I am glad we have reached the final but we still need to improve on a few things before the season starts.” “But, for now, we shift focus to the final, against Patriots, which is another tough game. It will be a good game to watch for fans. All we need is to play better and do the right things as we have done today against Espoir,” he added. En-route to the semi-final, Patriots walloped Kimisagara-based 30-Plus Basketball Club 108-30. Espoir will face APR to determine third and fourth place. Meanwhile, in the second game in the women’s category, The Hoops Rwanda lost to IPRC-South 45-80, but both sides will play a third game also on Friday to determine the winner. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Sports

REG, Patriots to clash in hoops pre-season final