APR Women’s Basketball held their nerve in a nail-biting 66-62 victory over The Hoops, extending their unbeaten run to 11 games while snapping their opponents’ five-game winning streak in the Rwanda Basketball League.
The midweek showdown at Petit Stade featured a clash between former champions, and it was APR who emerged victorious—thanks in large part to their bench depth and composure in critical moments.
Patrick Habiyambere’s young Hoops side came out firing, opening an early 8-point lead within the first three minutes. But APR quickly responded, with Assouma Uwizeye scoring 9 points to help her side edge ahead 18-16 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter turned into a defensive stalemate, with neither team willing to concede an edge. The half ended in a 28-28 deadlock.
Assouma Uwizeye’s foul trouble forced APR coach Charles Mushumba to turn to his bench early in the third quarter. The introduction of Martine Umuhoza proved pivotal—she became a threat from behind the arc, helping APR build a 47-41 lead heading into the final period.
With Uwizeye back on the court in the fourth quarter, she and captain Charlotte Umugwaneza dominated the paint against a visibly fatigued Hoops frontcourt. Their rebounding and interior play allowed Kamba Diakite to take control offensively, stretching APR’s lead to 16 points with just five minutes remaining.
But The Hoops were not done yet.
Led by their youthful core—mostly high school players—Habiyambere’s team launched a spirited comeback. Rachel Harvey sparked the run with a layup, followed by Feza Ebengo’s steal and assist to Vivine Mugisha for a fast-break score. Ebengo then attacked the paint three consecutive times, cutting the deficit to just six, 60-54, with 3:26 left on the clock.
APR began to falter under pressure, especially after Umuhoza fouled out. Turnovers and missed shots handed The Hoops further momentum.
Ebengo and Coulibaly Kadiatou combined to bring the score to 62-64 with just over a minute remaining. Vestine Tuyisenge had a golden opportunity to put The Hoops ahead with a three-point attempt but missed.
On the ensuing fast break, Diakite sealed the win with a clutch basket, bringing the final score to 66-62.
APR’s bench outscored The Hoops’ second unit 18-3, a key difference-maker in a tightly contested game.
APR’s win was also powered by standout performances from their frontcourt. Uwizeye posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Umugwaneza added 10 points and 12 rebounds. Diakite led all scorers with 21 points.
For The Hoops, Feza Ebengo also had a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Kadiatou Coulibaly chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Rachel Harvey added 15 points.
Elsewhere in the league on the same day:
- Azomco defeated UR Kigali 83-39
- REG dominated EAUR 96-62
- IPRC Huye beat UR Huye 66-45 at UR Gymnasium
Standings Update (Top 6):
- REG WBBC: 18-0 (clinched playoffs)
- APR: 16-2 (clinched playoffs)
- Kepler: 14-3 (clinched playoffs)
- Azomco: 9-9
- The Hoops: 9-8
- IPRC Huye: 9-8
With REG, APR, and Kepler already securing playoff spots, the battle for the final postseason berth remains tight. Azomco (9-9), The Hoops (9-8), IPRC Huye (9-8), EAUR (7-11), and GS Marie Reine (7-7) are all still mathematically in the race.
