Patriots date City Oilers, GNBC take on Ferroviario in BAL Qualifiers Semi-Finals

KIGALI (Rwanda) - Hosts Patriots overcame a stubborn GNBC side 94-88 after overtime to finish top of Group A and book a date with second placed City Oilers in Group B in a much-anticipated Basketball Africa League Qualifiers Semi-Finals on Saturday at the Kigali Arena.

GNBC started the game on a high note leading the first quarter 14-11 much to the astonishment of the hosts who visibly needed a breather. 

The second quarter saw the Patriots shade off a layer of complacency to come back into the game and fight for their lives but the Malagasy was not about to step on their peddle. They controlled the rhythm of the game and ran the floor much to the amusement of the home crowd who took turns in applauding their flawless style of basketball. 

"WE WANT TO THANK GNBC BECAUSE THEY REALLY BROUGHT THE GAME TO US. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TEAM SHOOT LIKE THAT IN MY LIFE. THEY SHOT THE BALL REALLY WELL. THEY PLAYED THEIR BEST DEFENSE FOR THREE QUARTERS BUT THE BOYS HAD A LOT OF HEART IN THE LAST FIVE MINUTES OF THE GAME AND WE CAN SAY THAT IS THE RWANDAN SPIRIT."- Odhiambo

The Madagascar side came back strong in the third quarter to open up a 16-point lead at 57-41 and as the fans sat back in absolute shock, their opponents enjoyed every possession shooting from every angle on the court. 

A different look on the faces of the Patriots players in the last quarter should have informed the decision making of GNBC who before they knew it finally folded under the pressure of the home crowd and saw the Patriots tie the game at 84-up to force overtime.

Patriots captain hugs Gasana after the game

Big performances from Elie Kaje and Jean Victor Mukama in the second half of the last quarter will go down as very crucial in the Patriots comeback that will go a long way in defining their attitude in the Semi-Final against City Oilers of Uganda. 

"We want to thank GNBC because they really brought the game to us. I have never seen a team shoot like that in my life. They shot the ball really well. They played their best defense for three quarters but the boys had a lot of heart in the last five minutes of the game and we can say that is the Rwandan spirit," Patriots head coach Odhiambo said after the game. 

Mukama's 13 points and 11 rebounds earned him the man-of-the-match performance which he dedicated to the fans that came out to support the Patriots on a difficult night that saw their character as a team tried and tested. 

Shooting guard Kenny Gasana displayed leadership on and off the court as he steered the home team to the last four scoring 12 points, making nine assists and picking five rebounds.

This result means that the Patriots finish top of Group A and will face City Oilers who hold second position in Group B. The Ugandan side took matters into their hands to determine their fate by coming all out against Cobra Sport of South Sudan to win 108-71. 

Shooting guard Jordin Mayes stood out on an afternoon that demanded nothing less of a player of his quality and indeed he rose to the occasion and delivered as expected. 

 The Oilers controlled their destiny right from the start and it was the hunger in their eyes that guided their steps on court. Much to head coach Mandy Juruni's admittance, they did not want to feel the way they did a day earlier when they lost to Ferroviario de Maputo. 

Meanwhile, the Mozambican champions will take on GNBC in the other Semi-Final in a game many are looking forward to watching as it will bring two teams with contrasting styles against each other. 

GNBC quick on the floor will look to play to their strengths against a very physical side that will also be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Kenya Ports Authority in their last Group B tie on Thursday. 

FIBA