Wednesday REG 88-59 APR Pascal Niyonkuru posted a game-high 17 points and 11 rebounds but his one-man effort was far from enough to save the day for APR as they lost, 88-59, to Rwanda Energy Group (REG) basketball club on Thursday night at Amahoro Stadium. It was the last Group ‘B’ game in the ongoing 2018/2019 preseason basketball tournament. The 2016/2017 league champions, REG, dominated the game from the off, easily taking the first quarter 24-12 before going into half-time break with a 42-28 lead. Returning for the second half, a much-improved APR regrouped to snatch the third quarter 23-22 but it is Patrick Ngwijuruvugo’s side that had the last laugh with an effortless 24-8 fourth quarter. Rwanda international Kami Kabange contributed 15 points to the win while Elie Kaje added nine. Power forward Olivier Shyaka made 9 rebounds. Following the end of the group campaign, REG will face bitter rivals Patriots in semi-finals while APR will be up against Group A leaders Espoir. The round of last four takes place on Friday night while the final and third place play-off will be played on Sunday. REG won the 2017 preseason tournament’s title after edging Espoir in the final. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
