PHOTOS: Cleveland posts 26 points as REG edge Patriots

Friday REG 83-69 Patriots Star shooting guard Cleveland Thomas ran the show at Lycee de Kigali as his 26 points with 11 rebounds and five assists inspired Rwanda Energy Group (REG) to an 83-69 convincing victory over rivals Patriots on Friday. REG looked determined and well a step ahead of Henry Mwinuka’s men from the beginning the game, as the team looked to avoid another setback following last week's loss against APR. Cleveland and his teammates were yet to digest the defeat against the military side and they came into the game knowing that beating Patriots, arguably their biggest title rivals, would not only extend their lead at the top of the table but also restore confidence ahead of the Basketball Africa League Sahara Conference coming up in March. The game was also the closest, but with REG leading by a narrow margin lead during the first three quarters, before Murray's group proved a point in the final quarter. The game was not decided until the final five minutes of the game, something that kept Patriots fans on their feet for the last minutes. Small forward Dieudonne Ndizeye had off night, but remained in Cleveland’s shadow as he and teammate Adonis Filer showed the difference that undoubtedly decided the game. Besides Cleveland’s game high scoring, Adonis and Center Pitchou Manga added 20 and 10 points respectively. On Patriots’ side, shooting guard Kenneth Gasana scored a team high 19 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists while club’s new point guard Germaine Vashon Roebuck Jr and Ndizeye added 18 and 15 points respectively. REG finished the first round of the league at the summit of the table with 21 points, a point clear of second-placed Patriots.

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PHOTOS: Cleveland posts 26 points as REG edge Patriots