Boissy's 37 propels REG sweep; Cole leads Patriots to victory in RBL action

The Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) witnessed electrifying performances on Tuesday night at Petit Stade, with Senegalese guard Jean Jacques Boissy exploding for a season-high 37 points to lead REG to a decisive victory over Orion, completing a season sweep. In the later game, star point guard Elliott Cole shone brightly, scoring 25 points to steer Patriots to a hard-fought 97-85 win against a resilient Azomco side.

Boissy was the undisputed star of the first encounter, showcasing his offensive prowess with a dominant display. Despite a slow start that saw REG trail 17-26 after the first quarter, the 25-year-old point guard took over, shooting an efficient 14-of-28 from the field, including three successful three-pointers. His all-around game also included six rebounds and five assists in his 34 minutes on the court. REG responded emphatically after the initial setback, outscoring Orion in the subsequent periods (28-25, 24-18, 30-11) to secure the season sweep.

Olivier Shyaka provided crucial support with a strong double-double, tallying 15 points and grabbing an impressive 18 rebounds, while Prince Muhizi added 19 points to REG's winning effort. Boissy's stellar 37-point outing marked his 13th consecutive game scoring in double figures and his third 30+ point performance this season, solidifying his status as a key offensive weapon for REG.

Despite the loss for Orion, Garba Chingka Kennedy delivered an exceptional individual performance, registering a monstrous double-double with 27 points and a staggering 23 rebounds while playing the entire 40 minutes. Jeffery Tyrone Stubbs also contributed significantly with 17 points and 8 assists for Orion.

In the night's second game, the battle between Patriots and Azomco proved to be a more tightly contested affair. Former champions Patriots came out strong, establishing an early 31-18 lead in the first quarter. However, Azomco quickly regrouped, taking the second quarter 24-16 to reduce the deficit to just five points heading into halftime.

Azomco carried their momentum into the second half, tightening their defense and preventing Patriots from extending their lead. Their efforts paid off as they tied the game at 66-66 after claiming the third quarter 24-19.

This put Patriots, led by Sanny Niyomugabo, under pressure as Azomco appeared the more motivated side heading into the final quarter. However, Patriots' star point guard Elliott Cole stepped up when it mattered most, orchestrating the offense and scoring crucial baskets to lead his team to a 31-19 victory in the final period, securing the 97-85 win. Cole finished with a game-high 25 points, while Joel Kindred contributed 21 points for Patriots. Steven Hagumintwari led Azomco's scoring efforts with 15 points in 33 minutes.

By Dylan Mugenga