APR BBC produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat REG BBC 84-78 on Wednesday night, moving to the top of the Rwanda Basketball League standings.
The much-anticipated clash at Petit Stade in Remera lived up to expectations, with REG dominating much of the contest before APR mounted a decisive fourth-quarter rally to claim a crucial victory.
REG started strongly, edging the opening quarter 21-20 before extending its advantage with a 22-17 second-quarter performance to take a 43-37 halftime lead. The defending champions maintained their momentum after the break, winning the third quarter 23-21 to enter the final period with a 66-58 cushion.
However, APR responded emphatically in the closing quarter. A three-pointer from Isaiah Briscoe sparked the comeback before Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba drained another long-range shot to hand APR a 69-66 lead with just over six minutes remaining.
Coach James Edwards Maye Jr.’s side maintained its composure down the stretch, pulling away to seal an 84-78 victory and strengthen its title credentials.
REG’s Furaha Cadeau de Dieu finished as the game’s top scorer with 23 points, but his efforts were not enough to prevent his side from suffering only its latest setback of the campaign.
APR’s balanced offensive display was led by Ntore Habimana, who recorded 13 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. Isaiah Briscoe also contributed 13 points, alongside two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Earlier, RSSB Tigers BBC cruised to a convincing 107-88 victory over EAUR BBC, with Zouzoua Nisre Mimi leading the way with 19 points. Jackson Antino Alvarez added 18 points, Bizimana Paul scored 16, while Hagumitwari Steve chipped in with 12.
The win lifts APR BBC to the top of the league table with 27 points from 14 games, level with Patriots BBC but ahead on the head-to-head record. Patriots have played one game more, while REG BBC remains third with 25 points from 15 matches. RSSB Tigers sits fourth with 23 points from 13 games.
Attention now turns to Friday’s blockbuster fixtures at BK Arena, where RSSB Tigers will face REG BBC before league leaders APR BBC take on second-placed Patriots BBC in a clash that could reshape the title race.
