APR avoid REG upset to move top of basketball league

UGB 116-55 Kigali Titans
Espoir 79-81 Kepler
APR 77-75 REG

APR basketball club again beat Rwanda Energy Group (REG) 77-75 on Wednesday night, July 31, at Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium to make it 2-0 this season and move at the top of the Rwanda Basketball League table standings. REG were so close to achieving one of the biggest comebacks in the league in recent years when they trimmed APR’s 22-point lead in the first two quarters to within just one point in the final seconds of the game. However, the army side avoided the upset and held on to win against all odds. APR came into the game looking so superior on the court, taking the first two quarters 25-13, 24-14 respectively to head into halftime break leading lead the game 49-27. Additionally, Lions’ new boy Isaiah Miller was already a threat on his debut match against REG. From APR’s unstoppable performance in the first half, only a few at the full capacity gymnasium would believe a different result, but a win at a big margin, would go against them. t was, however, REG who owned the second half. They dominated the game even before APR star center Aliou Diarra (200-F-2001) was fouled out just few minutes into the third quarter. Led by Cleveland Thomas (192-G-1993, college: WKU, agency: Slash Sports) and Antino Alvalezes the energy side looked very determined and well organized defensively, an aspect that hugely cost them in the first half. REG won the third quarter 27-13 and last quarter 21-15 but it was not enough to complete their comeback as Mazen Trakh’s side went on to win the game. Alvalezes and Thomas Jr led the scoring with 27 points and 14 points respectively despite finishing on the losing side while Axel Mpoyo (203-F-1997, college: GSU) posted a team high 13 points for APR. APR now lead the table standings with 31 points. They are now one point clear of unbeaten Patriots who are second with 30 points but the latter have played one game less. REG stay in third place with 26 points. Kepler jumped into fourth with 25 points after beating Espoir 81-79 on Wednesday.
UGB edged Kigali Titians 116-55 in an earlier game. The league, currently in its second round, is reaching a decisive stage as teams continue to fight for a top four finish and make it into the playoffs. With APR and Patriots now guaranteed a ticket to the playoffs, a loss for REG put their playoff hopes in jeopardy as they are now just a point ahead of Kepler, Espoir and Tigers who are tied to 25 points in fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively. Four teams will qualify for the playoffs. The semifinals will be played in a best-of-five series, while the finals will be in a best-of-seven format.
Courtesy of: newtimes.co.rw