Kepler Women’s Basketball Club made a dream start to their maiden Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) Finals, edging defending champions REG WBBC 65-62.
Tuesday, August 20, at Petit Stade, Kepler beat REG to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Kinyinya-based side, who eliminated record champions APR in the semifinals, are contesting the finals for the very first time.
Under coach Luis Hernandez Lopez, Kepler relied heavily on their starting five, with all players logging over 30 minutes. The bench contributed no points, but the starters delivered when it mattered most.
Only shooting guard Henriette Uwimpuhwe scored below 10 points among the starters, finishing with 8, but her timely second-quarter contribution helped Kepler secure a slim 34–33 halftime lead.
Kepler’s balanced display in starters was led by Desi-Rae Yvonne with a game-high 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Nelly Sandra Nsanzabaganwa followed with 16 points and 5 assists, Aichata Traore added 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Nelly Akariza recorded a double-double of 10 points and 16 rebounds.
On the side of the defending champions, Akon Rose Macuei put up a valiant fight with 12 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 8 steals before fouling out in the final minute.
Kadidia Maiga also made her presence felt with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals, but it wasn’t enough to prevent REG from slipping behind in the series.
Having finished third in their debut RBL season, Kepler continue to defy expectations in just their second year, standing tall against the country’s established basketball powerhouses.
Now, they hold a 1–0 advantage in their first-ever finals appearance, and game 2 is set for Friday, August 22, at Petit Stade.
