Ron Weiss, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Energy Group and players celebrate after beating Patriots to win the title on September 18. All Photos by Dan Nsengiyumva
REG Basketball Club are the Champions of Rwanda Basketball League. The Giants inked a convincing victory of 84-74 over the Patriots, on Sunday evening.
Henry Mwinuka's side retained the title that they won last year. Tactically spirited to win the game, REG marked a thrilling 84-74 win against Patriots to take the series 3-2.
The previous four games were tightly contested. The Patriots won the first 75-70, REG bounced back to win the second and third 79-70 and 82-75, respectively. Wednesday's game blessed the Patriots to stun Rwanda Energy group sponsored team 78-65 to tie the best-of-five finals at 2-2 after game 4.
The most anticipated game five, played on Sunday, September 18, in fully-packed BK Arena, where basketball fans enjoyed a deciding game that allowed REG BBC to represent Rwanda in the Basketball Africa League, an NBA-sponsored competition that attracts clubs from various countries in Africa.
As he did in previous games of the playoffs finals, through pictures, The New Times' photo man Dan Nsengiyumva, reported the game and presented the ups and downs of the final game.
REG's skipper Elie Kaje receives the trophy as his team beat rivals Patriots to be crowned Rwanda Basketball League Champions. All Photos by Dan Nsengiyumva
Patriots players pose for a group photo with a cheque after losing the final game of the play-offs on Sunday
Patriots' point guard Ken Gasana who has been framed as the face of the local league clearly didn’t have it as his side lost the game.
REG's point guard Cleveland Thomas Jr. in the air as he tries to make points during the game
REG players vie for the ball with Patriots' during the game at BK Arena. The do or die game to decide the Champions was played in a fully -packed BK Arena
The photographer shot different men's footwear of the competition
Some of Patriots supporters shout out to their players in the second half
REG star shooting guard Adonis finishes off a stylish lay-up during the game that his side dominated. Adonis clinched a game high 23 points. All Photos by Dan Nsengiyumva
Patriots lovers look so disappointed as their giants fail to make it
The most anticipated game five, played on Sunday, September 18, in fully-packed BK Arena
The most anticipated game five, played on Sunday, September 18, in fully-packed BK Arena
Basketball fans enjoyed a deciding game that allowed REG BBC to represent Rwanda in the Basketball Africa League, an NBA-sponsored competition that attracts clubs from various countries in Africa.
By half time, REG extended the lead to 42-31, in what the majority perceived as a ‘disappointing’ response from the Patriots.
REG's player up with the ball finishes off a stylish lay-up during the game at BK Arena. REG’s barrage was further emphasized by star-shooting guard Filer Jovon Adonis who led the team with 23 points, 11rebounds and 6 assists in 38 games of play
Basketball lovers follow the deciding game at BK Arena
One of the most prominent tattoos of the competition
Basketball fans enjoyed a deciding game that allowed REG BBC to represent Rwanda in the Basketball Africa League
The refereeing team of the final game in photo before the game
REG star shooting guard Adonis with the ball . The winners command an early first quarter lead 24-13, thanks in part to point guard Cleveland Thomas Jr.
Shyaka scored 4 of his 6 three points in a total of 14 points. It has been a while since the power forward fueled a wild crowd, but his ability to shoot the three point was witnessed once more.
Patriots' player finishes off a stylish lay-up during the game
REG head coach Henry Mwinuka gives instructions to his players during the game
USA based point guard Ken Gasana controls the ball during the game. Gasana’s offensive tactics and playmaking ability didn’t live up to his standards in a single quarter.
Patriots' player finishes off a stylish lay-up as REG's power forward tries to defend during the game.All Photos by Dan Nsengiyumva
REG star shooting guard Adonis Filer (23 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists) put on a show as he led REG to a convincing 84-74 victory.
REG star shooting guard Adonis Filer (23 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists) put on a show as he led REG to a convincing 84-74 victory.
Patriots' American shooting-guard Chris Crawford with ball during the game
Rwanda Energy Group and players celebrate after beating Patriots to win the title on September 18. All Photos by Dan Nsengiyumva
REG's small forward Pascal Niyonkuru in a warm celebration ,his team slashed Patriots in the final
Cleveland in the air as he tries to make points during the game. The US based player helped his side to win the game at BK Arena on Sunday ,September 18. Adonis and Cleveland have consistently led the energy side in their previous games, and Patriots has not been an exception.
Despite a quick response in the third quarter, Patriots trailed the whole game with Gray Kendall and Ntore Habimana leading in points 18, 13 respectively.
With the loss, Patriots’ legacy of closing out games is at stake, while their rival, highly boosted by team’s tactician Henry Mwinuka seeks to stem the tide.
Patriots' American shooting-guard Chris Crawford with ball during the game
The winners supporting crew follow the game.
Patriots' American shooting-guard Chris Crawford with ball during the game
REG's point guard Nshobozwabyosenumukiza dunks Patriots' players during the final game.
Cleveland(6) and his teammate Adonis(4) react to the referee's decision during the game. Cleveland clinched 15 points while his co-guard Adonis clinched a game high 23 points.
Patriots fans look disappointed by the results.
City socialite, Sandra Teta attended the Play-offs final on Sunday
REG's shooting guard Cleveland cheers on supporters after winning the game to be crowned Rwanda Basketball League Champions.
REG players and team staff celebrate after beating Patriots to win the title on September 18. All Photos by Dan Nsengiyumva
Ron Weiss, the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Energy Group and players celebrate after beating Patriots to win the title on September 18. All Photos by Dan Nsengiyumva