Espoir head coach Maxime Mwiseneza seen on the right as his side plays a previous league match. Former champions Espoir defeated REG 100-77 points on Friday night
Former league champions Espoir basketball club launched a stunning 100-77 win over reigning champions Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in a national basketball league match played on Friday at Amahoro Indoor Stadium.
It was a game that the Nyamirambo-based side went into with a mission of winning to ensure that they snatch a Playoff qualifying position while reigning champions were aiming for a top spot as well as avoid a second consecutive loss following their 60-75 loss to Patriots two weeks ago.
Maxime Mwiseneza’s side cruised to a deserved victory as Espoir won three quarters 22-16, 23-16, 34-24 before drawing the last quarter 21-21 with Sangwe Almel scoring a total high 35 points while REG’s Kami Kabange managed 18 points respectively.
REG’s Shyaka Olivier made 7 rebounds while Espoir’s Kubanatubane Philippe managed 8 assists in the thrilling game.
The win for Espoir made it two consecutive victories for the first time this season after thrashing Rusizi 95-52 last weekend.
Another game played on Friday, APR basketball club defeated United Generations for Basketball (UGB) 73-67 with Mbanze Brian scoring a total high of 25 points for the military side while Amani Deogratius managed 17 points only.
Following the win, Espoir remains ranked fifth joint on 8 points with sixth-placed IPRC-South. REG, Patriots, and UGB are joint on 9 points, a point behind leaders APR who have risen to top spot.
Action continues on Saturday with IPRC-South taking on Patriots at 11am. On Sunday, Patriots will face Rusizi at 9am, a game which will be played at Rusizi playground.
National Basketball league
Friday Results
APR 73-67 UGB
REG 77-100 Espoir
Saturday
IPRC-South vs Patriots 11am
Sunday
Rusizi vs Patriots 9am
