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Uganda dared Senegal to shoot the ball and it paid off as the Gazelles improved to a 1-1 record to conclude the first phase of the competition.
After losing their opening game of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket 2023 on Friday, the Uganda Gazelles registered one of their biggest wins Saturday night.
Uganda defeated Senegal 85-83 for one of their biggest wins to conclude Group C action.
Following the loss to Mali on Friday, Gazelles head coach Alberto Antuna made changes to get Claire Lamunu and Lydia Babirye into the starting line up ahead of Maria Najjuma and captain Flavia Oketcho.
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The Gazelles got off to a flying start, with Melissa Akullu operating around the rim while Jane Asinde connected well from range.
Senegal, however, got into rhythm and led 21-17 before edging the second frame 18-17 to take a five-point advantage (39-34) into the halftime break.
Uganda dared Senegal to shoot the ball and it paid off as the Gazelles improved to a 1-1 record to conclude the first phase of the competition.
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The Gazelles matched Senegal’s intensity in the second half of the game converted down the stretch to edge the 11-time champions.
With 30 seconds to play and the game tied at 81-81, 18-year old Babirye sank two free throws to hand the Gazelles a two-point advantage.
Her drive to the basket then drew a foul and a bucket. She made the free throw and Uganda were leading 85-81 with 13 seconds left on the clock.
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Cierra Janay Dillard got a quick basket and drew a foul off Babirye.
Aya Traore’s attempted three drew the iron and Lamunu picked the Gazelles final rebound of the game before being fouled. She missed the two free throws but there was not enough time for Senegal to attempt and the Ugandan vibrant crowd was sent into celebrations.
Jannon Otto scored a team-high 21 points while Asinde added 20 of her own.
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Babirye ended the game with 11 points while Lamunu got eight points and 10 rebounds to go with four assists.
Senegal’s Traore shot six-for-14 from downtown to record a game-high 29 points.
FIBA Women’s Afrobasket 2023
Result
Uganda 85-83 Senegal
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