Junior Silverbacks secure ticket to FIBA Africa U16 Championship

Uganda takes on Rwanda in a recent encounter at the tournament| courtesy picture

BASKETBALL Junior Silverbacks secure ticket to FIBA Africa U16 Championship

Ian Asabo 11:18 - 01.07.2023

The Africa Zone, 5 Qualifiers for the 2023 FIBA U16 African Championship, concluded exhilaratingly.

Uganda ended their campaign on a high as they dismantled Tanzania 114-69 to win the tournament and secure a ticket to the Nations championships in Tunisia.

Tejan Joel Rugette delivered an outstanding performance, scoring an impressive 21 points, while Zuri Owiny contributed 20 points of his own.

Their combined efforts were not limited to scoring alone; they also dominated the boards, securing 20 rebounds.

Their exceptional performance paved the way for Uganda's victory in a match where five more teammates also reached double digits, showcasing the team's depth and strength.

From the opening minutes, Michael Seger's charges left nothing to chance. They established an 18-2 lead within the first five minutes, setting the tone early and instilling a sense of dominance.

They eventually finished the second quarter with a staggering 44-19 lead entering halftime with an overwhelming advantage of 69-25.

With such a commanding 44-point lead, Uganda faced no pressure in the second half and chose to ease off on their opponents.

Nevertheless, they maintained their superiority, winning the following quarters 28-13 and 19-11, ultimately securing a remarkable 67-point victory.

Tanzania could not take the lead during the match, with Uganda's dominance evident in every statistical category.

For Tanzania, captain Joseph Kikusa, leading a squad of only seven players, displayed commendable determination, contributing 13 points.

Uganda takes on Tanzania in the final game at the Zone 5 Qualifiers in Tanzania| courtesy picture

Paulo Malicelo matched his efforts with equal points in a losing cause. Imani Bahati Mgunda also showcased his skills, scoring 9 points.

The Junior Silverbacks left an indelible mark on the Africa Zone 5 Qualifiers, setting the stage for an exciting and promising journey in the upcoming FIBA U16 African Championship.

With the tournament set to kick off on 13th July, whether the squad will head out and play is yet to be confirmed.

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