D1 Round 10: REG edges IPRC-South by three points

Elie Kaje

There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in D1. Host teams show no mercy winning all games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Sixth-ranked IPRC-South (4-5) made lots of trouble for first ranked REG (9-1) on Saturday. REG managed to secure only three-point victory 76-73. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of IPRC-South. REG forced 21 IPRC-South turnovers and outrebounded them 44-33 including a 23-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Point guard Ally Kubwimana (-93) fired a double-double by scoring 12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The former international Elie Kaje (198-95, college: Bossier-Parish CC) chipped in 15 points and 12 rebounds. REG's coach Patrick Ngwijuruvugo used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Armand Cyubahiro (-97) produced 28 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. REG have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 9-1 record. IPRC-South at the other side keeps the sixth place with five games lost. REG are looking forward to face UGB (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. IPRC-South will play against UR and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Important game to mention about took place in Kigali. Third ranked Espoir (7-3) saved a 2-point victory at home edging their biggest opponent Patriots (8-2) 61-59 on Friday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Gallois Kazeneza (-0) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Armel Sangwe contributed with 19 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. International Steven Hagumintwari (198-93) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for Patriots. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Espoir have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 7-3 record having just two points less than leader REG. Defending champion Patriots keep the second place with two games lost. Espoir will play against IPRC-Kigali (#5) in the next round. Patriots will play against APR and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in . Local IPRC-Kigali (5-5) beat 7th ranked UGB (3-7) 91-79 on Friday night. Bruno Nyamwasa scored 26 points to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Jacques Boissy responded with 30 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory IPRC-Kigali went down to fifth position due to points difference. UGB lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with seven games lost. IPRC-Kigali will meet at home higher ranked Espoir (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. UGB will play against the league's leader REG (#1) and hope to secure a win.