Patriots off to perfect start in Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) - Rwandan side Patriots started their Group D campaign in the Basketball Africa League Qualifying Tournament with a convincing 73-64 victory over Dynamo from Burundi on Thursday at the National Indoor Stadium. 

In a tie involving familiar opponents, the two sides were at it right from the beginning in typical derby fashion as they displayed a contrast of styles - the Patriots leaning towards their bulky bodies in the paint while Dynamo ran the floor at every chance. 

Patriots led 22-16 at the end of the first quarter and were fully in charge at the half time break 42-30 with Dieudonne Ndayisaba and Guiberty Nijimbere scoring 10 and eight points respectively. 

Physicality became the name of the game in the third quarter as the Patriots looked to build on their strengths and run away with the lead.

“WE PLAYED TOGETHER AS A TEAM AND GOT THE VICTORY WE WERE LOOKING FOR. IT WAS A TOUGH GAME BUT WE FINALLY WON. WE REALLY NEEDED IT AND CAN NOW BUILD ON THIS”- Ndayisaba

New American import George Wilbert Blakeney Jr pushed for a dunk until he got it - a put back in the making before hitting his chest to announce his arrival on the East African streets. He will be seeking for many more from the look of things. 

Ndayisaba amassed 15 points ultimately while Blakeney and Steven Hagumintwari added 10 points apiece to guide the Rwandan team to an all-important victory. 

Blakeney expresses joy after his dunk

Patriots head coach Henry Mwinuka will be smiling all night after his side registered 45 rebounds, shot 15 of 23 attempts on the charity line but will be worried with the efficiency behind the arc - they converted just eight of 26 attempts. 

"We played together as a team an got the victory we were looking for. It was a tough game but we finally won. We really needed it and can now build on this," said Ndayisaba to FIBA.basketball. 

Dynamo's shooting guard Jean Hakizimana was his team's lethal weapon dropping a game high 24 points and seven rebounds while Regis Musoda added nine points and six rebounds but the Patriots were too good on the day and ran away with victory. 

Patriots are 1-0 while Dynamo's win ratio stands at 0-2, a really worrying statistic if they are still harboring any prospects to qualify to the next round. 

FIBA