PHOTOS: Patriots edge Espoir as REG beat APR in hoops league

On Friday night at a fully-packed Amahoro Indoor Stadium, basketball fans enjoyed two crucial games in the Startimes Basketball National League as Patriots beat Espoir 61-76 and REG edged APR 71-63 to maintain the race for the title.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

ElisÃ©e Mpirwa

Sedar Sagamba led Patriots, scoring a game high 20 points to help the 2016 champions. Sam Ngendahimana

SundayRusizi vs UGB - 9am

FridayEspoir 61-76 PatriotsREG 71-63 APR

On Friday night at a fully-packed Amahoro Indoor Stadium, basketball fans enjoyed two crucial games in the Startimes Basketball National League as Patriots beat Espoir 61-76 and REG edged APR 71-63 to maintain the race for the title.

Raising star Sedar Sagamba lead Patriots, scoring a game high 20 points to help the 2016 champions win over multiple time champions, Espoir.

Small forward Steven Hagumintwari and center Ongea Micheal Makiadi score 13 and 10 points respectively for Patriots whose captain, Aristide Mugabe dropped 8 points in 33 minutes.

"We are getting back to our top form after the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers break, injuries and illness to some players. I was sick last weekend and Lionel (Hakizimana) is still recovering from surgery to repair an injured shoulder last month,” Mugabe said after the game.

Henry Mwinuka’s team were also without forward Sunny Niyomugabo, who is nursing a knee injury.

Espoir’s point guard, Philippe Kubanatubane led his team with 17 points in 34 minutes, whereas youngster Armel Sangwe had only 8 points in 33 minutes.

Patriots’ next two games will be against IPRC-Kigali and APR.

In another game, Power-forward Kami Kabange and point-guard Ally Kubwimana led defending champions Rwanda Energy Group with 14 points each, former two-time MVP, Olivier Shyaka added 12 points.

Patriots continue to lead the league table with 17 points, one ahead of second-placed REG while APR are third with 15 points and Espoir complete the top four on 13 points after 9 games.

Ally Kubwimana with the ball

Army side players chat during the match against REG

Benjamin Mukengengwa of Patriots with the ball, he scored high for his side against APR BBC

Bienvenue Ngandu of REG goes up for the layup against APR players

Chris Walter Nkurunziza controls the ball during the game between REG and APR at Amahoro indoor Stadium on Friday (Sam Ngenadahimana

Emmanuel Iyakaremye of APR goes up for points during the clash

Espoir BBC lost the game against Patriots

Final result of the game

Nkurunziza #0 of REG dunks against APR during the game at Amahoro indoor Stadium on Friday.

Parfait Ishimwe in the air with the ball finishes off a stylish lay-up during a game against REG

Patriots beat ESPOIR 71- 63 at Amahoro indoor stadium

Patriots Captain Aristide Mugabe with the ball during the match against Espoir BBC

Patriots' Sedar Sagamba in the air to try points,he made 20 points in league game against ESPOIR at Amahoro Indoor Stadium (Sam Ngendahimana)

REG' s players Nkurunziza in the air as he tries to make points during a league match against APR BBC at Amahoro indoor Stadium on Friday (Sam Ngendahimana)

REG's Nkurunziza finishes off a stylish lay-up during a game against APR BBC

Startimes officials watched the game, as the league is sponsored by STARTIMES

The game between APR and REG was so tough

The two league games attracted many people at the stadium

editorial@newtimes.co.rw