Start point guard Jean Jaques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenmukiza caught fire as his game high 23 points inspired APR to a 68-62 Game 1 win over former side Rwanda Energy Group (REG) on Friday, September 1, to lead the series of the best-of-seven-playoffs finals. Before a nearly filled BK Arena, Mazen Trakh’s men started the game with energy, winning the first quarter 20-16 and second quarter 16-14, to go into halftime leading the game 36-30. Returning for the second half, APR maintained the momentum despite REG putting up a fight. The military side won the third quarter 17-12 but REG bounced back to dominate in the last quarter despite falling short. Fourth quarter ended in favor of the defending champions as Adonis Filer rose to the occasion to lead team’s push for a comeback. However, it was too late to avoid the defeat. APR’s Game 1 win would be attributed to the team’s depth in squad and the their brilliance in the paint. Equally shocking was the drought of rebounds from REG’s side and, particularly, center Manga Pitchou’s influence was rarely noticed. Besides Nshobozwa’s brilliance, De Marcus Holland dropped 10 points and added 5 rebounds while Fula Nganga contributed 10 points. For REG, point guard Adonis Filer dropped 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Prince Muhizi contributed 13 points. APR are unbeaten in the playoffs this season and they will be looking to extend their series lead in Game 2 of the finals come Sunday, September 3, at the BK Arena. Meanwhile, REG have not beaten APR in the past three games this season and they should react positively in Sunday’s Game 2 and end the winning streak if they are to keep their championship glory alive.
