APR W BBC and The Hoops Rwanda have kept their hopes of reaching the women’s basketball playoffs final alive after winning Game 4 of their respective semifinal series against REG W BBC and Kepler W BBC.
The victories on Friday, August 14, at Petit Stade in Remera levelled both best-of-five series at 2-2, setting up decisive Game 5 clashes.
APR produced a late comeback to defeat REG 89-84 after REG had led 82-78 with just 53 seconds remaining. Several costly turnovers in the closing moments allowed APR to overturn the deficit and secure the victory.
Diakite Kamba was instrumental in APR’s comeback, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals.
REG had been hoping to close out the series after taking a 2-1 lead, but APR’s victory means both teams must meet again to determine who advances to the final.
In the other semifinal, The Hoops Rwanda defeated Kepler 61-55 to also level their series at 2-2.
Kepler needed a victory to book its place in the final, having taken a 2-1 series lead. The Hoops, however, responded strongly to avoid elimination.
Cyuzuzo Rebecca led The Hoops with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while also recording one assist, one steal and two blocks. Ndaruhutse Atete Raissa added 13 points, with Uwihirwe Nelly contributing 11.
The Hoops also had the advantage from three-point range, making 10 three-pointers compared with Kepler’s six. Ndaruhutse accounted for four of The Hoops’ three-pointers, while Izerimana Diane made three for Kepler.
Both semifinal series now go to a decisive fifth game, with the winners advancing to the final.
Game 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 16, at BK Arena, starting at 3:30 p.m.
