Patriots and Tigers have got off to an impressive start to the 2025 season of the Rwanda Basketball League after sealing 89-64 and 80-73 victories over AZOMCO and Espoir, respectively.

Both games took place at LDK Gymnasium on Friday night. Patriots and AZOMCO was the 2025 season opener, and Steve Hagumintwari scored the first points of the season as Sunny Niyomugabo's team took a 53-40 lead at the half-time break.

Patriots extended their advantage to 25 points at the end of the third quarter before the two sides played out a 12-12 tie in the final quarter, with Sunny Niyomugabo's side pulling off an 89-64 win over the newly promoted, AZOMCO.

Frank Kamndoh of Patriots had a double-double, a game-high 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Hagumintwari and Emmanuel Ishimwe sank 17 points and 16 points, respectively.

AZOMCO's Blaise Mugisha and Aworet Jarode contributed 17 points, apiece.

Tigers edge Espoir

Former APR Bruno Shema propelled Tigers to an 80-73 triumph over Espoir, grabbing 18 points and five rebounds.

Henry Mwinuka's boys took a hard-fought 41-40 advantage at the break after trailing 22-21 in the first quarter.

They were resolute in the third quarter as they registered 23-14. Espoir attempted to bounce back in the final quarter, outscoring Tigers 19-16, though it was not enough to secure a win.

The league resumes on Saturday, 25 January, with Kepler taking on UGB at Kepler Court.