Friday Espoir vs IPRC-Kigali, 8pm Former champions Espoir will be looking to end their regular season in the national basketball league on a high when they take on IPRC-Kigali Friday night at Amahoro Stadium. The Nyamirambo-based side go into the game assured of a third place finish, regardless of the result, but coach Maxime Mwiseneza has challenged his players “take it very seriously.” Espoir, the 2012 FIBA Africa Zone V champions, are third with 25 points, two ahead of fourth-placed APR, with both sides having one game to play. “We need to finish the regular season on a high; we won’t take any chances against IPRC-Kigali on Friday,” said Mwiseneza who also serves as the national team’s assistant coach. He added: “Winning the game will boost our morale ahead of the playoffs games.” It is expected to be a much-heated encounter as Espoir and IPRC-Kigali remain the only sides who have beaten defending champions Patriots this season. Albert Buhake’s IPRC-Kigali lie fifth on the nine-team table with 22 points, but they have played one game less. REG lead table with 30 points, two ahead of second-place Patriots who delight University of Rwanda’s Huye-Campus team on Saturday. REG, Patriots and Espoir have confirmed their slots in the post-season play-off games, and only one ticket is still up for grabs. editor@newtimesrwada.com
