The basketball semi-finals at BK Arena on Wednesday were nothing short of thrilling, offering fans intense clashes between Rwanda's top teams. REG BBC emerged victorious against UGB with a commanding score of 89-81, marking their third consecutive win and sealing their place in the finals.
The highly anticipated second game, tipping off at 8:30 PM, saw Patriots BBC taking on APR BBC in a match brimming with rivalry and excitement.
The first quarter started strong for APR BBC’s standout player Youssoupha Ndoye, who showcased an exceptional performance, scoring nine points in the opening four minutes. Patriots BBC’s Raphael Rashid Putney, determined not to lag behind, countered fiercely to keep his team neck-and-neck with APR BBC.
APR BBC gained the upper hand, ending the first quarter with a lead of 22-18.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Patriots BBC, driven by Williams Isiah Rasheed, made strategic plays to close the scoring gap and eventually took a three-point lead. APR BBC retaliated in the last two minutes of the quarter, reclaiming the lead and finishing the first half ahead by 37-33.
The third quarter showcased Patriots BBC’s dominance, spearheaded by the stellar performances of Raphael Rashid Putney and Williams Isiah Rasheed. Patriots widened the scoring margin, securing a significant ten-point advantage at 52-42.
Facing an uphill battle in the fourth quarter, APR BBC attempted a comeback, largely relying on Diarra Aliou Fadiala’s contributions. Despite their commendable efforts, Patriots excelled with three-point shots, maintaining their lead until the game closed at 65-59 in favor of Patriots BBC.
Basketball action continues at BK Arena with the next game in the series scheduled for Friday at 7 PM.
Patriots BBC celebrated their hard-fought win over APR BBC with a final score of 65-59.
REG BBC clinched a decisive victory over UGB, earning their spot in the finals and setting the stage for an epic conclusion to the tournament.