REG Dominates BC Makomeno in an 83-51 Blowout

REG Dominates BC Makomeno in an 83-51 Blowout

In a much-anticipated showdown, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) dismantled BC Makomeno with a commanding 83-51 victory in the 2024 WBLA. Although the game began on the high for the Congolese side who seized a narrow 13-12 lead at the end of the first quarter, REG’s relentless pressure and superior depth overwhelmed Makomeno for the remainder of the game.

Makomeno showed flashes of potential in the opening quarter, led by Aichata Traore, who finished with 15 points, alongside contributions from Dorcas Marondera (13 points) and Illunga Kabongo (10 points). Their defense stifled REG early on, forcing contested shots and creating turnovers to stay competitive.

However, as the second quarter began, REG found their rhythm and flipped the game on its head. A trio of standout performances from Rosine Micomyiza (17 points), Destiney Philoxy (13 points), and Inès Nezerwa (15 points) ignited REG’s offense, pushing the Rwandan team to a double-digit lead by halftime.

The game showcased REG’s dominance on both ends of the court, with their statistics painting a clear picture of their superiority. They scored an impressive 26 points off Makomeno’s turnovers, capitalized on their athleticism with 19 fastbreak points, and asserted themselves inside with 30 points in the paint. REG’s bench players also stepped up in a big way, contributing 36 points to seal the win.

Makomeno struggled to keep up with REG’s relentless pace and ball movement. Their defense faltered under pressure, leaving gaps for REG to exploit. Despite their individual scoring efforts, the Congolese side could not find consistency or answer REG’s balanced attack.

One of the standout aspects of the game was REG’s incredible bench depth. While Makomeno relied heavily on their star players, REG’s reserves consistently delivered, outscoring Makomeno’s bench by a wide margin. This depth allowed REG to maintain their intensity throughout the game, with fresh legs constantly pressuring Makomeno on both ends of the floor.

For Makomeno, the game highlighted a lack of cohesion and defensive discipline. Turnovers proved costly, gifting REG easy opportunities in transition. Their inability to contain REG in the paint and the absence of meaningful contributions from their role players left them with an insurmountable deficit.

For REG, this victory solidifies their reputation as a dominant force in the WBLA, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. Their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes and execute their game plan with precision makes them a team to watch as the tournament progresses.

Meanwhile, BC Makomeno will need to regroup quickly. Their early promise in this matchup suggests potential, but addressing their turnover woes and finding more contributions from their supporting cast will be crucial if they hope to remain competitive.

This one-sided victory at the Marius Ndiaye Arena is a testament to REG’s quality and sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting WBLA season.

‍

[Imagery/Photography courtesy of FIBA]

‍