Boissy’s 23 Points Power REG to Overcome Orion.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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February 3, 2025

Senegalese international point guard Jean Jacques Boissy scored 23 points to lead REG BBC to a 72-65 victory over Orion, securing their third consecutive win in the Rwanda Basketball League.

REG defeated Orion on February 3, with Boissy leading the way to keep their perfect start to the season.

In a rescheduled match from Day 1, REG followed up a dominant weekend victory over Espoir with another strong performance against Orion.

The Rwandan electricians started strong, taking a 7-point lead after the first quarter, 19-12.

They extended their advantage to nine points by halftime, leading 41-32. However, Orion fought back in the third quarter, erasing the deficit and taking a 5-point lead, putting REG’s unbeaten record under threat.

REG came out determined in the final quarter, and thanks to Boissy’s 10 points in the period, Maxime Mwiseneza’s team regained control and secured the 72-65 win to extend their winning streak to three.

Orion had beaten Kepler over the weekend, and the loss made it 1-2 in their opening three games.

Boissy’s 23 points were a game-high, and with a total of 54 points after three games, he ranks second in the league’s top scorers, just behind APR’s Aliou Diarra, who has 59 points.

A former UGB and Patriots guard, Boissy is well-acquainted with the Rwanda Basketball League. Averaging 18 points per game and leading in three-pointers, he has quickly become one of the league’s standout recruits and a player to watch closely.

REG will next face UGB on Friday, February 7, at Kepler.

Uganda Beats Kenya in AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers Opener

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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February 3, 2025

Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, tipped off their FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 Zone V Qualifiers with an emphatic 78-56 victory over Kenya’s Lionesses, thanks to captain Jane Asinde’s stellar 24-point performance.

The East African derby saw Uganda take full control from start to finish, with Kenya failing to lead at any point in the game (23-11, 17-17, 17-9, 21-19).

Uganda outperformed Kenya in every aspect, shooting 46.3% from the field compared to Kenya’s 26.2%. The Gazelles also capitalized on turnovers, scoring 18 points to Kenya’s 11, while dominating fast breaks (17-5) and points in the paint (38-14).

Despite missing key players Jamila Nansikombi ‘Zama’ and Melissa Akullu due to visa issues, Uganda relied on naturalized player Paige Robinson and captain Asinde.

Robinson impressed in her international debut with 15 points and six assists.

Asinde was the standout performer, shooting 10-of-19 from the field while adding nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 34 minutes.

For Kenya, Victoria Reynolds and Mercy Wanyama contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The Gazelles started their journey on a positive note; however, the road ahead will not be easy. they will take on hosts Egypt tomorrow in their second game, face South Sudan on Wednesday, and finish the group stage against Burundi on Thursday.

The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 will begin on July 25 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and Rwanda have already secured their places in this 29th edition of Africa’s top women’s basketball tournament, having finished in the top four of the previous edition held in Rwanda.

As the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire automatically qualifies, and the number of auto-qualified teams reduces the available qualification slots, making the path to Abidjan even more competitive.

Cameroon became the first team to qualify through the qualification campaign after winning Zone IV on August 21 last year.

The FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers offer one spot, like the other zones, with five teams—Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, South Sudan, and Burundi—competing at the Hassan Mustafa Sports Hall in Cairo.

In a round-robin format, each team will play four games, and the top two teams will face off in a decisive final where a winner will secure the Zone V ticket and join Rwanda in Abidjan.

EAUR won the 2025 Basketball Heroes Tournament.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 3, 2025

The East African University Rwanda defeated UR Kigali 76-44 to clinch this year’s Basketball Heroes Tournament, securing their first-ever silverware.

EAUR dominated UR Kigali to win the 2025 Basketball Heroes Day Tournament, which concluded on Sunday, February 2025.

FERWABA, in collaboration with Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honor (CHENO), organized the competition, which began on January 29 and featured nine men’s second-division teams.

EAUR clinched the championship by defeating UR Kigali 76-44 in the final, while Keplerians secured third place with a 72-49 win over Greater Virunga.

In the semifinals, EAUR triumphed over Keplerians 91-81, and UR Kigali advanced by beating Greater Virunga 71-61.

The Heroes Tournament honors Rwanda’s national heroes through various sports.

This year, National Heroes’ Day celebrated its 31st edition on February 1, under the theme “Heroism and Unity of Rwandans, Pillars of Development.”

Stubbs Jeffery Tyrone Drops 35 as Orion Shock Kepler

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 2, 2025

Orion’s Stubbs Jeffery Tyrone scored a game-high 35 points, leading Orion to an 87-81 victory over Kepler in their second Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) game.

The American guard made his mark in the RBL on Saturday, February 1, with a season-high 35 points, the most by any player so far this season.

Tyrone, 34, scored just 2 points in Orion’s season-opening 71-85 loss to APR. However, his standout performance against Kepler quickly made him a must-watch player in the 2025 RBL season.

The Orion’s number 0 scored 35 points from 12-19 field goals, including 3-4 from three. He also drew 7 fouls, converting 8-12 free throws while playing 37 minutes.

Alongside Kepler’s Aristide Mugabe, Tyrone tallied a game-high 7 assists and grabbed 6 rebounds, helping Orion dominate the game without trailing in any quarter.

On the losing side, Chad Bowie Jordan, last season’s MVP, led Kepler with 30 points—his season high—thanks to a strong 5-10 shooting from behind the arc.

Tyrone and Orion will face REG in their next RBL game on Monday, February 3, at Petit Stade. REG remains undefeated in two games, while Orion holds a 1-1 record.

Adonis Filer Returns After 9-Month Injury Layoff.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 1, 2025

APR Basketball Club point guard Adonis Filer made his long-awaited return to the court after a nine-month recovery from an Achilles tendon injury.

Filer, injured in a BAL 2024 game against Rivers Hoopers, made his return during APR’s 103-67 victory on Friday night at Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium.

The 31-year-old guard played 12 minutes, scoring 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-5 from three. He also added 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in his return to the Rwanda Basketball League.

Filer, who sustained the injury on May 11 in Dakar, had rejoined the team during preseason but was sidelined by head coach James Eduard Maye for APR’s opening game against Orion.

His duo with Antino is highly anticipated this season, including the BAL campaign.

UGB Stuns the Patriots 73-69 in Rwanda Basketball League

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 1, 2025

The United Basketball Generation (UGB) bounced back from their opening-game loss to Kepler in the 2025 Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) with a statement victory over the powerhouse Patriots.

Steven Hagumintwari’s game-high 23 points were not enough to help the Patriots overcome UGB’s charge in Friday night’s game at Lycée de Kigali.

Yves Murenzi’s side rallied from a nine-point deficit in the first quarter (12-21) to dominate the remaining three quarters (21-18, 19-15, and 21-15), securing a much-needed victory that revitalized their campaign after the 67-71 loss to Kepler.

Central African Republic international Steven-Emile Perriere, the new team captain following Aganze Bazihima’s departure to REG, played a crucial role for coach Gael’s team on both ends of the floor.

Perriere and newcomer Mouhamed Doumbia contributed 39 points, making up 53.4% of the team’s total, while making significant contributions defensively as well.

Perriere recorded 17 points, 19 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 39 minutes of play while Doumbia led the team with 22 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals in 37 minutes.

For the Patriots, Steven Hagumintwari’s 23-point effort was the highlight of the game, which also marked a baptism of fire for new head coach Sunny Munyandamutsa.

Munyandamutsa, in his debut season as head coach, suffered his first loss after leading the Patriots to an 89-64 win over Azomco in their opener.

Both UGB and the Patriots now hold a 1-1 record and will face REG and Tigers, respectively, on February 7.

Basketball Heroes Tournament Slated for January 29 to February 2.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

January 28, 2025

The Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA and the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honour, CHENO, have scheduled the annual Heroes Tournament from January 29 to February 2, featuring men’s Division 2 teams.

The Heroes Tournament, which is traditionally contested by top-flight teams from both the men’s and women’s categories, will this year focus on giving Division 2 teams, composed largely of youth players, an opportunity to compete.

The 2025 Heroes Tournament will feature nine Division 2 teams, namely UR Kigali, CBT, Black Thunders, Keplerians, Greater Virunga, Kicukiro Buckets, Agahozo Shalom, EAUR, and Kigali Elite.

The Rwanda Basketball League Division 2 tipped off on January 24, and the teams have been given another opportunity to compete for a trophy to enhance the competition.

The decision was made since Division 2 teams typically participate in only two tournaments per season, as most other open tournaments are contested by top-flight teams.

The opening games of the Heroes Tournament will take place at Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium.

DAY 1 Fixtures | Wednesday, 29/01/2025
– 4 PM: AGAHOZO SHALOM vs EAUR
– 6 PM: UR KIGALI vs CBT
– 8 PM: KEPLERIANS vs GREATER VIRUNGA

The Heroes Tournament honors Rwanda’s national heroes through a multi-sport competition.

The National Heroes’ Day will be celebrated for the 31st time on February 1, 2025, under the theme: “Heroism and Unity of Rwandans, Pillars of Development.”

CHENO will use basketball as a platform to convey messages that honor the outstanding achievements of Rwanda’s heroes and the valuable lessons drawn from their contributions to the nation’s development.

RBL: APR Begins Title Defense with Win Over Orion.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

January 26, 2025

Diarra helps APR debut in the RBL 2025 on a high note.

Defending champions APR started their 2025 Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) title defense with an 85-71 victory over Orion, powered by Aliou Diarra’s game-high 25 points.

On January 25, at the Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium, the Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) defeated Orion in their 2025 season opener.

After trailing by 4 points in the first quarter, 19-23, the back-to-back champions rallied to outscore Beleck’s Orion 25-17 in the second quarter, taking a four-point lead into the break.

Diarra and APR continued their strong performance in the third quarter, extending the gap with a 24-13 run, heading into the final period with a 15-point advantage.

Orion fought back in the final quarter, edging out APR 18-17, but suffered an 85-71 loss to the army team.

APR’s success stemmed largely from their shooting accuracy, making 34 of 71 field goals, including 13 of 38 from three-point range. on the other hand, Orion hit 28 of 71 field goals, with only 4 of 21 from beyond the arc.

Diarra led APR with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Antino Jackson Alvalezes added a double-double of 14 points and 12 assists in his debut with the team.

On the other hand, Garba Chingka Kennedy had an impressive debut for Orion, recording a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds.

Former REG BBC and Orion captain also contributed 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in his debut.

APR began the season with the same strong form that led them to back-to-back titles in the previous seasons.

The RBL defending champions will face Azomco in their next game on Friday night at the Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium (LDK).

RBL — Beleck Bell, former REG BBC player, now the captain of Orion.

American-Rwandan point guard Antino Jackson Alvalezes delivered a stellar performance in the RBL 2025 opening game and his APR debut.

APR head coach James Edwards Maye and assistant Aimée Karim Nkusi instructing the players during a RBL game against Orion.

Orion’s Garba Chingka Kennedy left his mark in his RBL debut.

Ntore Habimana cheers on his teammates from the stands as he misses the RBL 2025 opening game.

The back-to-back defending champions and RBL 2025 favorites, APR.

Chandelier Twizeyimana Drops 26 Points to Help Kepler Beat UGB.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

January 26, 2025

Chandelier Cyiza Twizeyimana scored a game-high 26 points to lead Kepler past United Basketball Generation (UGB) in their Rwanda Basketball League 2025 opener.

Kepler defeated UGB 71-67 in a game played across two different venues on January 25.

The match began at Kepler’s outdoor courts but moved to the Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium due to heavy rainfall in Kinyinya and throughout Kigali.

With Chad Bowie Jordan, last season’s MVP, extending his contract, Kepler, coached by Mandy Juruni, had Elie Kaje in the starting five for his debut at the home court in Kinyinya.

Twizeyimana a former U-18 Rwanda national team forward and 2024 FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup silver medalist put on a stellar performance leading Kepler to victory over UGB in their league opener.

The 20-year-old played 26 minutes, recording 26 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, making him the standout player of the game.

Twizeyimana, who had an impressive season with Kepler, helped the Kinyinya-based team finish in the top 4 and secure a playoff spot in their debut season.

His 26-point performance on opening day was the highest of any player.

Twizeyimana will return to the court on Friday night, January 31, as Kepler hosts Azomco.

Rwanda Volleyball: APR Stuns Police 3-1, Ending Their Unbeaten Run.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

January 25, 2025

The unbeaten streak of Police VC in the 2024-25 Rwanda Volleyball National League came to a dramatic end on Friday night as the determined APR team defeated them in a thrilling four-set match at Petit Stade.

APR, the defending champions, avenged their 3-0 loss in the first leg of the season by handing Police their first defeat of the year.

Police, who had only conceded two sets in their first eight league games, came out strong and clinched the first set 25-18, showing early signs of maintaining their unbeaten record.

However, APR, led by Sammy Mulingye, fought back and refused to let Police dominate. The second set was a back-and-forth battle, and at 23-23, APR capitalized on their momentum, claiming the final two points to win 25-23 and tie the match at 1-1.

In the third set, APR came out with renewed determination, aiming to be the first team to win a second set against Police. They succeeded, securing the set 25-21 and taking a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth set, full of energy and confidence.

The fourth set saw standout performances from Vincent Mbonigaba, the middle blocker, and Merci Gisubizo, the outside hitter, who stepped up in place of Denis Esokon, who had been leading the team since the start of the match.

Their efforts helped secure crucial blocks and contain Police’s top player, Elphas Makuto.APR narrowly edged out Police 25-23 in the final set, making history as the first team to defeat Police in the 2024-25 season of the Rwanda Volleyball National League.

Despite the loss, Police remains at the top of the standings with an 8-1 record and 24 points, while APR follows behind with 18 points from one fewer game.

In the women’s category, Police WVC claimed a straight-set victory over APR.

Police’s Christian Hatumimana showed no mercy against Peter Kamasa’s side, who had come from one game down to beat Police and claim the league title in last season’s playoffs.

The win keeps Police WVC in close pursuit of the unbeaten RRA, who cruised to a 3-0 victory over EAUR.

Volleyball action continues this Saturday at both Petit Stade and NPC Gymnasium, with Gisagara facing EAUR, who shocked them in the first-leg match.

Photos: Derio

Boissy’s 23 Points Power REG to Overcome Orion.

Senegalese international point guard Jean Jacques Boissy scored 23 points to lead REG BBC to a 72-65 victory over Orion, securing their third consecutive win in the Rwanda Basketball League.

Uganda Beats Kenya in AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers Opener

Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, tipped off their FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 Zone V Qualifiers with an emphatic 78-56 victory over Kenya’s Lionesses, thanks to captain Jane Asinde’s stellar 24-point performance.

EAUR won the 2025 Basketball Heroes Tournament.

The East African University Rwanda defeated UR Kigali 76-44 to clinch this year’s Basketball Heroes Tournament, securing their first-ever silverware.

Stubbs Jeffery Tyrone Drops 35 as Orion Shock Kepler

Orion’s Stubbs Jeffery Tyrone scored a game-high 35 points, leading Orion to an 87-81 victory over Kepler in their second Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) game.

Adonis Filer Returns After 9-Month Injury Layoff.

APR Basketball Club point guard Adonis Filer made his long-awaited return to the court after a nine-month recovery from an Achilles tendon injury.

UGB Stuns the Patriots 73-69 in Rwanda Basketball League

The United Basketball Generation (UGB) bounced back from their opening-game loss to Kepler in the 2025 Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) with a statement victory over the powerhouse Patriots.

Basketball Heroes Tournament Slated for January 29 to February 2.

The Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA and the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honour, CHENO, have scheduled the annual Heroes Tournament from January 29 to February 2, featuring men’s Division 2 teams.

RBL: APR Begins Title Defense with Win Over Orion.

Defending champions APR started their 2025 Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) title defense with an 85-71 victory over Orion, powered by Aliou Diarra’s game-high 25 points.

Chandelier Twizeyimana Drops 26 Points to Help Kepler Beat UGB.

Chandelier Cyiza Twizeyimana scored a game-high 26 points to lead Kepler past United Basketball Generation (UGB) in their Rwanda Basketball League 2025 opener.

Rwanda Volleyball: APR Stuns Police 3-1, Ending Their Unbeaten Run.

The unbeaten streak of Police VC in the 2024-25 Rwanda Volleyball National League came to a dramatic end on Friday night as the determined APR team defeated them in a thrilling four-set match at Petit Stade.

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