Patriots beat IPRC-South to retain top spot

Saturday Patriots 84-78 IPRC-South 30-Plus 56-102 UGB Women APR 50-46 IPRC-South Didier Ishimwe scored a game high 22 points and Walter Nkurunziza added 19 points as national basketball league title holders Patriots beat reigning playoffs champions IPRC-South 84-78 in overtime on Saturday to finish the first round on top of the table. Playing in-front of a half full Amahoro indoor stadium, both sides tied 68-68 in regular time and they had to be sent into a 5-minute overtime that Patriots won 16-10 to claim the crucial win. Henry Mwinuke’s Patriots snatched the first quarter 23-22 and the second 20-18 before IPRC-South took the third quarter 18-14 to go into the final quarter leading 58-57. But the defending champions fought back to claim the fourth quarter 11-10 to force play into overtime but Patriots was in a better form to carry the day. Sunny Niyomugabo was IPRC-South’s top scorer with 17 points. In another game, United Generation Basketball Club (UGB) demolished struggling 30-Plus in a 102-56 massive victory to record their third league win of the season. Patriots lead the table with 17 points; level with debutants Rwanda Energy Group (REG) but the former have a better score average. Espoir, APR and IPRC-South are third, fourth and fifth respectively, with 15 points each. In the women’s league, APR defeated IPRC-South 50-46 to stay top of the table standings with maximum 6 points and a 3:0 win ratio. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Patriots beat IPRC-South to retain top spot