Wednesday, March 4 Patriots 65-61 Kepler REG 93-76 EAUR UGB 87-75 AZOMCO Point guard Damaria Franklin delivered a game-high 21 points to power Patriots BBC to a hard-fought 65–61 victory over Kepler Basketball Club in Wednesday’s Rwanda Basketball League clash at Petit Stade Gymnasium. Coached by Sunny Niyomugabo, the Patriots had endured a slow start to the new campaign, registering a 50 percent win rate from their opening four games. However, they found renewed momentum against Kepler, inspired by an outstanding all-round display from their new signing. Franklin not only scored 21 points but also added nine rebounds, six assists and three steals in a commanding performance. Patriots made a strong start, claiming the first quarter 25–17. Kepler responded in the second quarter, winning it 15–8 to narrow the gap to just one point (33–32) at halftime. After the break, Patriots regrouped to avoid another upset. They edged the third quarter 13–11 and closed out the contest by taking the final quarter 19–18 to seal the four-point win. Other key contributors included Coleman Darion with 11 points and Garba Chingka, who added eight points. Earlier in the evening, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) defeated East African University Rwanda (EAUR) 93–76, while United Generation Basketball (UGB) saw off AZOMCO 87–75.
