Patriots Beat APR, UGB Defeat Tigers at BK Arena Last Night

After the unexpected loss of Patriots to Kepler BBC last Wednesday, Patriots' Head Coach Sanny Niyomugabo regained the rhythm to remain in the big four clubs vying for the playoff after winning 71-62 over the army side. The same happened to UGB after their point guard Mark Burton delivered 27 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, leaving Tigers bewildered after losing with a score of 100-94.

Patriots started the game brightly and won the first quarter 26-18 before both sides finished the second quarter tied at 12-12, going into halftime with a 38-30 lead in favor of Patriots.

Back in the second half, APR regrouped and put up a fierce offensive game that saw them gain control. They claimed the third quarter 18-16, but Patriots kept fighting to win the last quarter 17-14, securing the win which kept them in contention for a top-four finish.

Elliott scored 19 points in the 38 minutes he played, while Cadeau De Dieu Furaha and Olivier Kamilindi each scored 10 points.

After the tight game, coach Sanny Niyomugabo expressed his excitement after a straight win, despite their previous lost games, and also explained why the Patriots were so determined and focused to claim the victory.

“It’s sport, always there is a loss or a win. We as a team expected it, but today’s game was a must-win to define whether we remain in contention or not, so that’s why the harder we pushed secured us a win,” Patriots Head Coach -- Niyomugabo told Ballerzone Africa in an exclusive interview.

The Patriots are now in second place with 23 points, while Tigers maintained third place with 21 points despite their loss to UGB.

By Dylan Mugenga