Patriots BBC kicked off the Finals of the BetPawa Playoffs in Rwanda’s Basketball Championship with a strong statement, defeating APR BBC 83-71. The game, held at Kigali Arena on the evening of Friday, September 6, 2024, marked the first of a seven-game series.
Patriots BBC came out firing, establishing an early lead in the first quarter with a 21-15 advantage over APR BBC, thanks largely to the outstanding performances of Perry William and Hagumintwari Steve. They further extended their dominance in the second quarter, winning it 31-13, closing the first half with a commanding 52-28 lead.
In the second half, APR BBC attempted to mount a comeback, primarily by capitalizing on three-point shots. Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza gave APR BBC a glimmer of hope with a crucial three-pointer, but Patriots BBC responded swiftly, maintaining their lead with another five points from Hagumintwari Steve and Perry William.
The third quarter saw APR BBC fight back, outscoring Patriots BBC 22-16. However, despite the efforts of Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, Ntore Habimana, and Axel Mpoyo, who all contributed in the final quarter, it wasn’t enough to close the gap. Patriots BBC held their ground, closing out the game with an 83-71 victory.
Patriots BBC head coach Henry Mwinuka once again made history, coaching his eighth Playoff Finals since 2016. Of these eight Finals appearances, Mwinuka has clinched five championships—three with Patriots BBC in 2016, 2018, and 2019, and two with REG BBC in 2021 and 2022. He fell short in the 2017 and 2020 Finals.
This victory gives Patriots BBC a crucial head start in the BetPawa Playoff Finals. They are now just three wins away from securing the championship title. Coach Henry Mwinuka and his team have demonstrated their capability to claim the trophy, while APR BBC will need to regroup, correct their mistakes from this first game, and push harder in the upcoming matches if they are to remain competitive in the series.
