Patriots ease past IPRC Kigali to set up final date with rivals REG
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Patriotsu2019 guard Guibert Nijimbere (L) attempts to stop his brother, IPRC Kigaliu2019s Benit Nijimbere, at Kigali Arena on Friday. / Photo: Courtesy.

Saturday

Men’s final

Patriots Vs REG 6PM

Third place

APR Vs IPRC Kigali 1PM

Friday

Semi-finals

REG 75-68 APR

Patriots 88-59 IPRC Kigali

Patriots' shooting guard Kenneth Gasana scored 18 points and Steven Hagumintwari added 15 as two-time reigning champions strolled past IPRC Kigali, in a 88-59 win, on Friday to set the final showdown against bitter rivals Rwanda Energy Group (REG) on Saturday.

The game gets underway at 6pm, at Kigali Arena.

"The game was tough at the beginning, but it got easier as the gap grew bigger. We are happy for the win, and to reach the final,” Patriots captain, Aristide Mugabe, said in a post-game interview.

Though this year’s title decider will look a bit different; being played behind closed doors and being a one-game final, there will be no love lost for a game pitting the country’s biggest two basketball franchises for a spot into next year’s Basketball Africa League.

Patriots beat REG 65-59 in epic Game 7 of the 2019 playoffs finals to retain the BK Basketball National League title for a second year running and the third in four seasons.

REG were first to reach the final beating APR 75-68 in a closely contested semi-final.