APR BBC moved a step closer to retaining the Rwanda Basketball League title after defeating Patriots BBC 94-87 in Game 2 of the Cheetah Energy RBL Playoffs final at BK Arena on Thursday night.
The victory gives the defending champions a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, meaning APR now needs just two more wins to secure the championship. The first team to reach four victories will be crowned champion.
Unlike Game 1, which APR dominated from the opening minutes, Patriots made a stronger start and remained competitive throughout Thursday’s contest.
APR narrowly won the opening quarter 25-24 before extending its advantage in the second quarter, which it took 24-20, to lead 49-44 at halftime.
Patriots responded after the break, edging APR 21-20 in the third quarter to cut into the deficit. APR, however, regained control in the final period, winning the fourth quarter 25-22 to seal a seven-point victory.
Leonard Craig Randall II once again proved influential for APR, finishing with 18 points, two rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
Patriots’ Garba Chingka Kennedy produced an outstanding individual performance despite the defeat, scoring 26 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, while also recording one steal and four blocks.
Three-point shooting was one of the key differences between the two sides. APR converted 15 three-pointers, compared with eight for Patriots, giving the defending champions a significant advantage from long range.
The result puts Patriots under increased pressure ahead of Game 3, as APR looks to extend its advantage and move closer to another league championship.
In the third-place series, RSSB Tigers BBC edged REG BBC 92-90 to take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-five contest.
Manzi Dan “Kimasa” led RSSB Tigers with 17 points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists.
The playoff action continues on Saturday, August 22, at BK Arena. Patriots will face APR in Game 3 of the championship series at 9:30 p.m., while RSSB Tigers and REG BBC will meet at 4:30 p.m. in Game 2 of the third-place series.
APR entered the final after overcoming RSSB Tigers in the semifinals, while Patriots advanced after defeating REG BBC.
