Damas Sikubwabo<\/b><\/p>\n
Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Start point guard Jean Jaques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenmukiza caught fire as his game high 23 points inspired APR to a 68-62 Game 1 win over former side Rwanda Energy Group (REG) on Friday, September 1, to lead the series of the best-of-seven-playoffs finals.<\/p>\n Before a nearly filled BK Arena, Mazen Trakh\u2019s men started the game with energy, winning the first quarter 20-16 and second quarter 16-14, to go into halftime leading the game 36-30.<\/p>\n Returning for the second half, APR maintained the momentum despite REG putting up a fight. The military side won the third quarter 17-12 but REG bounced back to dominate in the last quarter despite falling short.<\/p>\n Fourth quarter ended in favor of the defending champions as Adonis Filer rose to the occasion to lead team\u2019s push for a comeback. However, it was too late to avoid the defeat.<\/p>\n APR\u2019s Game 1 win would be attributed to the team\u2019s depth in squad and the their brilliance in the paint.<\/p>\n Equally shocking was the drought of rebounds from REG\u2019s side and, particularly, center Manga Pitchou\u2019s influence was rarely noticed.<\/p>\n Besides Nshobozwa\u2019s brilliance, De Marcus Holland dropped 10 points and added 5 rebounds while Fula Nganga contributed 10 points.<\/p>\n For REG, point guard Adonis Filer dropped 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Prince Muhizi contributed 13 points.<\/p>\n APR are unbeaten in the playoffs this season and they will be looking to extend their series lead in Game 2 of the finals come Sunday, September 3, at the BK Arena.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, REG have not beaten APR in the past three games this season and they should react positively in Sunday\u2019s Game 2 and end the winning streak if they are to keep their championship glory alive.<\/p>\n\r\n