Hoops: IPRC-South, Patriots earn crucial wins

Sunday Men Patriots 76-52 UR-CASSAPR 85-59 RusiziIPRC-South 64-49 UGB Women The Hoops 53-61 Ubumwe Saturday APR 96-34 CSKUR-CASS 65-76 IPRC-KigaliEspoir 92-50 Rusizi Women IPRC-South 61-45 UR-CASS Friday U18 Boys Team 36-81 Patriots National Basketball League contenders IPRC-South and Patriots registered important wins over the weekend to boost chances for a historic first league title. The Huye-based IPRC-South beat United Generation Basketball (UGB) 64-49 at home court on Sunday while Patriots thumped youthful U18 Boys Team 81-36 on Friday night before beating UR-CASS 76-52 on Sundayat Amahoro indoor stadium. It was a step closer for the two teams that joined the national league last season, and both are enjoying their second season. The two contenders will meet on May 14 at IPRC-South in what could be the regular season league title decider. Road to the league crown It’s going to be a tricky path though for either side to dethrone Espoir, who have been champions since 2012. For Patriots to win the league they have to win their three remaining games against struggling CSK tomorrowand Rusizi on May 7 before what could be the title decider against IPRC-South. On the other hand, IPRC-South will have to win their two games against UR- CASS and Patriots. As it stands, Espoir and IPRC-Kigali top the table with 30 points apiece but have played one more game than IPRC- South (29 points), who are third and two more than fourth-placed Patriots (28 points). The top four sides have already qualified for the post-season play-offs. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Hoops: IPRC-South, Patriots earn crucial wins