- Espoir 90-71 APR
- Patriots 68-78 REG
The highly anticipated clash between new side Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and Patriots ended with the newcomers taking the bragging rights after a commanding 78-68 win at Amahoro stadium on Friday.
Former City Oilers’ center Kami Kabange exhibited brilliance with a game high 21 points to help his side make a big stride in their chase for the championship this year.
REG, playing in the top flight for the first time, are looking to win their first piece of silverware on first attempt. Both sides went into the game very well aware that the winner would get the upper hand in the title race.
REG started the better side as they poured in 9 unanswered points before Henry Mwinuka’s Patriots, led by Rwanda national team captain Aristide Mugabe, grew in confidence to put up a contest later in the game.
The reigning champions edged REG 25-11 at the end of the first quarter as they looked to win their third game against REG. Patriots then ran out of steam in the second quarter as Kabange and REG exploded.
The Rwandan center and shooting guard Benjamin Mukengerwa put Patriots to the sword and saw their side take the second quarter 21-8 and trail by 1 point (32-33) at halftime.
REG kept the tempo high and claimed the third quarter 21-16 to get into the driving seat heading into the final quarter of the game.
The win was sealed with a 25-19 fourth quarter that wrapped up the game 78-68 to see REG deliver Patriots’ second loss of the season.
Mukengerwa contributed 20 points while Mugabe and Elie Kaje scored 12 points apiece in Patriots’ losing effort, only their second loss of the season.
Despite the victory, REG remained in until Sunday when Baufite’s side defeated IPRC to ascend to the summit of the log.
Meanwhile, in another game also played on Friday evening, 2015 champions Espoir beat fellow former champions APR 90-71, to keep their title hopes alive.