Patriots BBC have become the first team to officially qualify for the 2026 Rwanda Basketball League playoffs after defeating title rivals REG BBC 84-65 in a decisive Week 14 showdown.
The victory guaranteed Patriots a top-four finish regardless of results in the remaining regular-season fixtures, while also lifting the club to the top of the league standings.
Played at Petit Stade in Remera, the clash lived up to expectations as Patriots outclassed one of their biggest championship rivals. American forward Damaria Franklin starred with 25 points, six rebounds and two assists, capping off his birthday with another match-winning performance.
Earlier in the day, EAUR BBC strengthened its reputation as one of the league’s surprise packages by beating Kepler BBC 94-81.
Ronald Nato Kolmia led the university side with 24 points, nine rebounds and four steals, extending EAUR’s impressive run after notable victories over RSSB Tigers, UGB and Patriots earlier this season.
RSSB Tigers also revived their playoff hopes with a dominant 93-63 victory over UGB in another crucial fixture.
Zouzoua Nisre Mimi produced a commanding display, finishing with 25 points, 10 rebounds and four assists as the Tigers bounced back from their recent loss to Kepler BBC.
With the regular season entering its final stretch, the battle for the remaining playoff places remains wide open.
Patriots lead the standings with 27 points from 15 games, followed by APR BBC on 25 points from 13 matches and REG BBC on 24 points from 14 games. UGB occupy fourth place with 22 points from 15 outings.
Kepler BBC, RSSB Tigers and EAUR BBC each have 21 points, although RSSB Tigers have played fewer games and remain firmly in contention for a playoff berth. AZOMCO BBC are eighth with 18 points, while Inspired Generation have finished their campaign without registering a single victory, ending the season bottom of the table with 16 points from 16 games.
Patriots will wrap up their regular season against APR BBC in a highly anticipated clash on July 17. Although APR BBC and RSSB Tigers could still overtake them at the top depending on results, Patriots have already secured their place in the playoffs, becoming the first team to do so this season.
