BY JULIUS MBARAGA
Men
Marine 94-68 KIE
APR 65-39 UNR
UGB 20-00 Rusizi
Sunday
Marine 62-72 APR
UGB 47-77 KIE
Espoir 68-48 UNR
IN the past two seasons, home court advantage has played a crucial part in APR-Marine games. However, that myth was shattered last Sunday when APR reigned supreme in Rubavu.
The reigning champions coasted to their seventh win of the season after a 72-62 victory over their arch rivals.
The indomitable lions established a big first half lead (49-25) thanks to some aggressive play from Mike Buzangu and new signing Gerol Ndugu.
Despite a good response from the home side in the third (21-15) and fourth (16-8) quarters, APR managed to hold onto the win to make sure that they finished the first round unbeaten.
Mike Buzangu scored a game high 24 points while Ndugu weighed in 12points for APR.
On Marine’s side, Elibo Muhire top scored with 20 points while APR’s former duo Aboubacar Barame and Gedeka Bunene Kajeguhakwa added 10 and six points respectively.
“We fought back well in the second half and we shall use that performance to inspire us when we play them (APR) in the second round,” the optimistic Marine coach Prospere Mihigo said.
Elsewhere, after five consecutive defeats, Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) changed their fortunes with a 77-47 victory over UGB.