Patriots Basketball Club celebrates the league title victory on FRiday night at Amahoro Indoor stadium. Courtesy Photo
Rwanda’s Powerhouse Patriots edged Rwanda Energy Group – REG to lift the 2017/18 Star Times Basketball National League on Friday night.
Rwanda Energy Group – REG managed by Kalima Cyril defeated Patriots in a closely contested match which ended 64-57 (17-12, 19-14, 17-13 and 11-18).
However the victory was not enough to see REG retain the title as they lost the crown to rivals Patriots thanks to their better head-to-head ratio this season.
In the first leg, Patriots basketball club had defeated REG 75-60 in December 2017.
REG would only be guaranteed of retaining the league title, if they had registered a better scoreline of at least 15 points and above but Patriots proved a hard nut to break as they controlled the game, fighting hard until the final whistle.
REG star player Kami Kabange earned the highest score as he secured 24 points, with power-forward Olivier Shyaka and Elie Kaje adding in 14 and 10 points each.
Patriots score sheet was composed of forward Steven Havugintwari who managed 15 points and game high 10 rebounds whilst guard Sedar Sagamba and Dieudonne Ndizeye posted 13 and 9 points respectively.
Patriots were crowned champions and booked a ticket to represent the country at the 2019 FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club 5 championship. They also pocketed RWf. 1.5m while REG settled for RWf. 1m respectively
Past champions since 2010
2018 – Patriots
2017 – REG
2016 – Patriots
2015 – Espoir
2014 – Espoir
2013 – Espoir
2012 – Espoir
2011 – Kigali Basketball Club
2010 – APR
