D1 Round 18 (Regular Season): REG keep a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked REG as it allowed them to take a leadership position. REG defeated 4th ranked Kepler in Kigali 72-56. It was a good game for center Linda Uwitonze who led her team to a victory with 23 points and 7 rebounds. The former international guard Destiney Philoxy (170-2000, college: UMass) contributed with 17 points and 5 assists for the winners. REG's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Henriette Uwimpuhwe replied with 20 points for Kepler. REG (16-1) have an impressive ten-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Newly promoted Kepler keeps the fourth place with six games lost.
Important game to mention about took place in Kigali. Sixth ranked Gahini (7-10) saved a 1-point derby victory on the road edging 4th ranked Kepler (10-6) 53-52 on Sunday evening. Josephine Uwineza had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and Ange Uwiringiyimana chipped in 11 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks during the contest. The best for the losing side was Gbenakpon Keita with 6 points and 27 rebounds. Kepler's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Gahini maintains sixth position with 7-10 record. Newly promoted Kepler keeps the fourth place with six games lost.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Kigali: APR (#2) and The Hoops (#8). The Hoops were smashed at home by 20 points 59-79 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Sandra Kantore notched 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort. Even a double-double of 26 points and 23 rebounds by Jane Dusabe did not help to save the game for The Hoops. Undefeated APR (15-0) have an impressive 15-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with a perfect record of 15 victories in a row behind leader REG. The Hoops lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with ten games lost.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 18: The Hoops were beaten by GSMRR on the road 80-76. APR destroyed UR Kigali on its own court 88-48. EA Univ was outscored by GSMRR in Cyabingo 78-41. Gahini rolled over UR BBC at home 89-38. REG defeated RP-IPRC Huye on the opponent's court 75-68.

The Round Review is presented by LBM Management. A full-service agency focused on Women's basketball sphere and working worldwide. A global and ethical quality service.

GSMRR - The Hoops 80-76

No shocking result in a game when third ranked GSMRR (12-4) beat 8th ranked The Hoops (4-10) in Cyabingo 80-76 on Wednesday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. GSMRR forced 33 The Hoops turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Forward Brigitte Nibishaka (-2003) notched a double-double by scoring 23 points and 19 rebounds to lead the effort and Yvonne Muhawenimana (-2002) supported her with 27 points, 7 assists and 6 steals. GSMRR's coach used entire bench in such tough game. Even a double-double of 30 points and 27 rebounds by the former international center Jane Dusabe (-2005) did not help to save the game for The Hoops. Forward Emmerance Muhoza (-1999) added 26 points and 7 rebounds. GSMRR maintains third position with 12-4 record having five points less than leader REG. The Hoops lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with ten games lost.
Top scorers:
The Hoops: J.Dusabe 30+27reb+3ast, E.Muhoza 26+7reb+3ast, D.Iryimanivuze 8+10reb+9ast, O.Tumukunde 6+7reb+4ast, F.Mukapala 4+12reb, P.Mukantwari 2+3reb+5ast
GSMRR: Y.Muhawenimana 27+4reb+7ast, B.Nibishaka 23+19reb+1ast, M.Yamfashije 17+9reb+6ast, R.Gikundiro 5+13reb+3ast, C.Murekatete 3+1ast, U.Jeanne 3+9reb+1ast

APR - UR Kigali 88-48

Very expected game when 9th ranked UR Kigali (3-14) was smashed on the road by top-ranked APR (15-0) 88-48 on Wednesday. APR dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to UR Kigali's 36. APR forced 22 UR Kigali turnovers and outrebounded them 63-37 including a 28-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. APR looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when APR made 11 blocks. The former international center Charlotte Umugwaneza (195-1984) notched a double-double by scoring 12 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks to lead the effort and the former international point guard Marie Imanizabayo (-1996) supported her with 19 points and 8 assists. Even a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds by Adeline Ihimbazwe did not help to save the game for UR Kigali. Grace Ishimwe added 5 points and 5 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. APR have an impressive 15-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with 15-0 record behind leader REG. UR Kigali at the other side keeps the ninth place with 14 games lost.
Top scorers:
UR Kigali: A.Ihimbazwe 14+14reb, D.Uwihirwe 6+3reb+1ast, S.Mugabekazi 5+3reb, G.Ishimwe 5+5reb+3ast, F.Umulisa 5+4reb+2ast, R.Pavsek 4+3reb+2ast
APR: M.Imanizabayo 19+2reb+8ast, S.Kantore 18+6reb+4ast, C.Umugwaneza 12+21reb+4ast, B.Yvette 9+9reb+1ast, I.Nzisabira 7+2reb, A.Uwizeye 7+5reb

REG - Kepler 72-56

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked REG as it allowed them to take a leadership position. REG defeated 4th ranked Kepler in Kigali 72-56. It was a good game for center Linda Uwitonze who led her team to a victory with 23 points and 7 rebounds. The former international guard Destiney Philoxy (170-2000, college: UMass) contributed with 17 points and 5 assists for the winners. REG's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Henriette Uwimpuhwe replied with 20 points and point guard Nelly Nsanzabaganwa (-1995) added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Kepler. REG (16-1) have an impressive ten-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Newly promoted Kepler keeps the fourth place with six games lost.
Top scorers:
Kepler: H.Uwimpuhwe 20+2reb+2ast, N.Nsanzabaganwa 13+6reb+4ast, D.Ntawutarama 8+7reb+1ast, G.Keita 7+16reb, N.Akaliza 6+9reb+1ast, C.Byukusenge 2+2reb
REG: L.Uwitonze 23+7reb+2ast, D.Philoxy 17+4reb+5ast, R.Micomyiza 10+3reb+1ast, M.Wanyama 8+15reb+2ast, O.Tetero 7+2reb+1ast, A.Irakoze 3+6reb+1ast

GSMRR - EA Univ 78-41

Rather predictable result when third ranked GSMRR (12-4) rolled over 7th ranked EA Univ (5-11) in Cyabingo 78-41 on Saturday. GSMRR held EA Univ to an opponent 24.3 percent shooting from the field compared to 37.0 percent accuracy of the winners. GSMRR forced 35 EA Univ turnovers and outrebounded them 61-44 including a 43-32 advantage in defensive rebounds. GSMRR looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by EA Univ's players. Forward Brigitte Nibishaka (-2003) notched a double-double by scoring 19 points, 20 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals to lead the effort and Yvonne Muhawenimana (-2002) supported her with 20 points and 8 assists. Even 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals by Gisele Makenga did not help to save the game for EA Univ. Fabiola Umunyuragaju added 11 points and 12 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. GSMRR maintains third position with 12-4 record having five points less than leader REG. EA Univ lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 11 games lost.
Top scorers:
EA Univ: G.Makenga 14+9reb+4ast, F.Umunyuragaju 11+12reb+1ast, S.Dusabe 6+6reb, M.Izadufasha 4+4reb+1ast, B.Beatrice 2+1reb+1ast, C.Uwimana 2+2reb+2ast
GSMRR: Y.Muhawenimana 20+3reb+8ast, B.Nibishaka 19+20reb+4ast, M.Yamfashije 17+7reb+7ast, M.Iragena 6+1ast, R.Gikundiro 5+11reb+1ast, C.Murekatete 4+4reb+1ast

Gahini - UR BBC 89-38

Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked UR BBC (0-17) was outscored on the road by sixth ranked Gahini (7-10) 89-38 on Saturday. Gahini held UR BBC to an opponent 18.3 percent shooting from the field compared to 36.7 percent accuracy of the winners. Gahini forced 35 UR BBC turnovers and outrebounded them 60-49 including 23 on the offensive glass. Josephine Uwineza notched a double-double by scoring 26 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 steals to lead the effort and Ange Uwiringiyimana supported her with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). Four Gahini players scored in double figures. Gahini's coach felt very confident using 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds by Albright Mugabekazi did not help to save the game for UR BBC. Charlotte Iradukunda added 7 points and 9 rebounds. Gahini maintains sixth position with 7-10 record. UR BBC at the other side still closes the standings.
Top scorers:
UR BBC: A.Mugabekazi 13+14reb+2ast, C.Iradukunda 7+9reb, D.Irumva 6+4reb+1ast, V.Mukasekuru 4+5reb+1ast, D.Mutembanshushu 4+6reb+1ast, I.Agasaro 2+6reb
Gahini: J.Uwineza 26+14reb+6ast, J.Ishimwe 22+9reb+1ast, A.Uwiringiyimana 19+13reb+1ast, S.Umwali 12+3reb+3ast, K.Nikaze 4+2reb, A.Uwimana 3+13reb+1ast

The Hoops - APR 59-79

Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Kigali: APR (#2) and The Hoops (#8). The Hoops were smashed at home by 20 points 59-79 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The former international point guard Sandra Kantore (174-1993) notched 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and American forward Taylor Hosendove (188, college: Oregon) supported her with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Four APR players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 26 points and 23 rebounds by the former international center Jane Dusabe (-2005) did not help to save the game for The Hoops. Diane Izerimana (-2000) added 10 points and 6 assists. APR (15-0) have an impressive 15-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains second position with a perfect record of 15 victories in a row behind leader REG. The Hoops lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with ten games lost.
Top scorers:
The Hoops: J.Dusabe 26+23reb+3ast, D.Izerimana 10+3reb+6ast, O.Tumukunde 7+5reb+6ast, D.Iryimanivuze 6+10reb+3ast, R.Cyuzuzo 4+9reb+1ast, F.Mukapala 4+3reb
APR: S.Kantore 19+8reb+6ast, T.Hosendove 16+14reb, M.Imanizabayo 15+1reb+5ast, A.Uwizeye 15+6reb+1ast, A.Umuhoza 9+1reb+2ast, I.Nzisabira 2+1reb+1ast

RP-IPRC Huye - REG 68-75

Everything went according to plan when second ranked REG (16-1) defeated 5th ranked RP-IPRC Huye (8-7) in Butare 75-68 on Sunday. REG forced 24 RP-IPRC Huye turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The former international guard Destiney Philoxy (170-2000, college: UMass) notched 12 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists to lead the effort and center Linda Uwitonze supported her with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Four REG players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds by the former international center Nicole Urwibutso (-1994) did not help to save the game for RP-IPRC Huye. Violette Uwimpuhwe (165-2004) added 24 points. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. REG have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. RP-IPRC Huye at the other side keeps the fifth place with seven games lost.
Top scorers:
RP-IPRC Huye: V.Uwimpuhwe 24+3reb+2ast, N.Urwibutso 18+13reb+3ast, A.Umuhamya 12+9reb+2ast, C.Nzaramba 5+4reb+1ast, S.Kanyere 4+1reb, S.Izere 2+6reb+1ast
REG: L.Uwitonze 16+9reb+1ast, D.Philoxy 12+6reb+8ast, R.Micomyiza 12+1ast, G.Byukusenge 10+2reb+2ast, O.Tetero 7+3ast, R.Munezero 6+3reb+2ast

Kepler - Gahini 52-53

Important game to mention about took place in Kigali. Sixth ranked Gahini (7-10) saved a 1-point derby victory on the road edging 4th ranked Kepler (10-6) 53-52 on Sunday evening. Gahini held Kepler to an opponent 22.9 percent shooting from the field compared to 30.1 percent accuracy of the winners. Strangely Kepler outrebounded Gahini 72-41 including a 37-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. Gahini brought some defensive toughness making 11 blocks. Josephine Uwineza had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals to lead the charge for the winners and Ange Uwiringiyimana chipped in 11 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks during the contest. The best for the losing side was Gbenakpon Keita with 6 points and 27 rebounds and Henriette Uwimpuhwe produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Kepler's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Gahini maintains sixth position with 7-10 record. Newly promoted Kepler keeps the fourth place with six games lost.
Top scorers:
Kepler: H.Uwimpuhwe 19+10reb+1ast, N.Akaliza 11+10reb+1ast, D.Ntawutarama 9+11reb, C.Byukusenge 7+3reb+2ast, G.Keita 6+27reb+3ast, B.Mumporeze 0
Gahini: J.Uwineza 19+13reb+8ast, J.Ishimwe 17+4reb+2ast, A.Uwiringiyimana 11+14reb+1ast, A.Uwimana 6+8reb+1ast, K.Shema 0, F.Mutesi 0