REG edge out APR 82-77 in thrilling Rwanda derby to secure Finals spot in Women's Basketball League Africa Qualifiers

In a fiercely contested Rwanda derby, REG claimed a hard-fought 82-77 victory over APR to advance to the final of the Women's Basketball League Africa Qualifiers. Despite leading for 39 minutes and 31 seconds, REG found themselves continually tested by an APR squad determined to keep the game close. The opening quarter set the tone for the intense matchup. REG jumped ahead with 19 points, as American guard Destiney Philoxy (170-G-2000, college: UMass) hit the only 3-pointer of the quarter, putting her team up 19-14 at the break. The battle continued in the second quarter as REG turned up the heat, scoring 28 points. Rosine Micomyiza (162-PG-1995) stepped up with three 3-pointers, while Victoria Reynolds (178-SF-1997, college: William & Mary) added another from deep. By halftime, REG had stretched their lead to 47-30. APR rallied in the third quarter, showing grit as they scored 22 points to match REG's own 22, but they could not narrow the gap. Going into the final quarter, REG seemed comfortably in control at 69-51. The fourth quarter, however, saw APR mount an impressive comeback. They poured in 26 points and held REG to just 13, drawing within reach and threatening to tie the game multiple times. APR's efforts to equalise fell short due to missed shots and critical turnovers, allowing REG to hold on to their narrow lead until the buzzer sounded. REG's dominance in the paint was crucial to their success, scoring 40 points inside and shooting 63.04% from the two-point area. They also controlled the glass, collecting 40 rebounds compared to APR's 35, and restricted APR to a single fast-break point while scoring 11 of their own. Victoria Reynolds, a standout for REG, just missed out on recording a triple-double, finishing with 26 points, eight rebounds, and ten assists. Kristina King (190-F/C-1995, college: WVU) added a powerful double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds, helping REG withstand APR's late surge. The narrow victory sends REG through to the final, as APR walk away with their heads high, having pushed their domestic rivals to the limit in an enjoyable Rwanda derby.
Courtesy of: africabasket.net