jasdooit

APR claimed their first Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone 5 title by defeating their rivals Rwanda Energy Group (REG) with a score of 82-71 in an exciting final held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday. The Rwandan team will be appearing for the second consecutive time after making their debut in the continental competition last year through a wild card entry, aiming to enhance their third-place finish in Dakar last December. Head coach Charles Mushumba mentioned that playing six straight matches was challenging, but he praised his players for staying composed and fighting hard to qualify for the WBLA finals, ultimately winning the title in the zonal qualifiers. He said, “Our recruitment was very good, and that has been proven on the court. We played our part, and I believe this was our time to be champions; everything clicked. In this match, we followed the same philosophy, scoring more and managing our time effectively,” Mushumba added. “Defense alone cannot win games; we had to be efficient offensively so that we had something to defend. I am happy we are heading to the WBLA as Zone Five champions.” APR took control in the first quarter, scoring 22-12, including a 9-0 run early in the game that put the Rwandan champions, REG, on the back foot. Faustine Mwizerwa’s three-point shot started REG’s second-quarter comeback attempt, with Kristina King bringing them within a basket, from range, at 28-26 with just over three minutes left until halftime. Sensing danger, APR launched another run, scoring 12-2 in two minutes to take a 12-point lead, with Destiney Philoxy leading the halftime scores with 12 points. The third quarter was a display of basketball artistry as APR worked to maintain their lead, while REG responded with timely attacks to make it 49-46 halfway through the period. Kamba Yoro Diakité hit a three-pointer from behind the arc, extending APR’s lead to 55-50. Kayana Traylor and Rosine Micomyiza scored to bring the score to 55-54 before Gloriose Byukusenge equalized the score at 57, with Philoxy closing the quarter from the free-throw line for a 59-57 advantage. The fourth quarter was no different as APR tried to pull away, taking a 64-57 lead in the first minute, but REG refused to give up, coming close again at 66-64. REG sent APR to the free-throw line three times, resulting in five successful shots, which gave them a seven-point lead that ultimately cost them the game, allowing APR to dominate the final quarter with a 23-11 run, enough to secure revenge against a team that had taken their championship in the domestic league. Meanwhile, the competition witnessed its first overtime decision in the third-place play-off, with hosts Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) securing their spot in the continental tournament by defeating Burundi’s Les Hippos. The Antony Ojukwu-led team won the third-place match 89-81 in overtime (OT), following a 75-all draw in regulation time.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).