The Rwanda Basketball League Division 2 witnessed a dominant performance from Kigali Elite as they defeated cross-town rivals Kigali Titans 103-85 on June 12, 2026. The match, held at the Kigali Arena with a 02:30 tip-off, showcased Elite’s offensive firepower and depth, as they pulled away in the second half to remain unbeaten on the season.

Match Overview

The Titans came out firing, matching Elite shot for shot in the opening quarter. Behind sharp shooting from guard Emmanuel Habimana, Kigali Titans led 26-24 after the first 10 minutes. However, Elite’s fast-paced offense and relentless pressure began to tell in the second period. A 14-4 run to close the half gave Elite a 56-48 lead at the break.

Second-Half Domination

Whatever Elite head coach Patrick Mugisha said in the locker room worked wonders. The visitors opened the third quarter on a 12-0 blitz, extending their lead to 20 points within five minutes. The Titans never recovered, as Elite’s defense forced 18 turnovers on the night, converting them into 24 fast-break points.

Standout Players

Kigali Elite: Power forward Jean-Pierre Niyonzima recorded a double-double with 28 points and 14 rebounds, dominating the paint. Shooting guard Eric Hakizimana added 22 points, including five three-pointers.

Kigali Titans: Guard Emmanuel Habimana led all scorers with 31 points on 11-of-21 shooting, but received little support from his teammates. Center Fiston Mugabo chipped in 12 points and 8 boards before fouling out in the fourth quarter.

League Context

The victory solidifies Kigali Elite’s position atop the Division 2 standings with a 9-0 record, while the Titans drop to 5-4. Elite’s balanced scoring and defensive tenacity make them early favorites for promotion to the top flight. “We are building something special,” said Niyonzima after the game. “Every night we want to prove we belong at the next level.”

The Titans will look to bounce back in their next match against Gisenyi Heat, while Elite faces a tough test against the second-place Kigali Flames on June 19.