FIBA Africa U16 Zone V Championship
Wednesday, 12-06-2019
Kigali, Rwanda
-Uganda 63-55 Rwanda
-Rwanda 96-36
KIGALI – Uganda’s participation in the 2019 FIBA Africa U16 Zone V championships is so far bitter-sweet.
The girls’ team has been in scintillating form, winning both of their first two games but for the boys, lost their first game on Wednesday.
After defeating Tanzania 58-39 in their first game, the Gazelles registered a come-back victory over Rwanda in their second game on Wednesday.
The Gazelles started slowly, trailing 14-17 by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, Rwanda increased their lead to four (33-29), after taking the second 16-15.
However, Uganda wiped out Rwanda’s four-point advantage, taking the third 13-09 to ensure they head into the last 10 minutes level at 42-42.
In the fourth, the Gazelles blew away Rwanda, taking it 21-13 and in the end sealing a 63-55 victory.
Maria Najjuma stared for the Gazelles as she registered a double double of 31 points and 36 rebounds, shooting 14-31 from the field.
Regina Ajuna and Shilla Lamunu scored 11 points each in game 28-94 from the field and outrebounded Rwanda 75-60. Ajuna added 12 rebounds to her good tally.
For the Boys, they endured a very disappointing start to the championship as they lost 36-96 to Rwanda.
Rwanda started brightly, taking the first quarter 26-06. They continued their brilliant start to the game, taking the second 25-05 and went into the break leading by 40 points with the scores 51-11.
The third was also another blow out as the Junior Silverbacks lost 12-28.
Uganda put up a spirited performance in the fourth but ended up losing it 13-17. In the end, Rwanda triumphed 96-36.
Jonathan Kasilimbi, scored 10 points, was the only Uganda player to reach double figures in terms of scoring. Joseph Lokol and Joseph Angucu managed six points each in a losing effort.
The teams – Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda – are fighting for a single ticket (one each for boys and girls) to the 2019 FIBA Africa U16 Championship.
The upcoming fixtures:
Thursday, 13-06-2019
Girls: Tanzania vs Rwanda
Friday, 14-06-2019
Girls: Uganda vs Tanzania
Saturday, 15-06-2018
Girls: Rwanda vs Uganda
Boys: Uganda vs Rwanda
