FIBA Zone V Championships 2019
Wednesday, 26-06-2019
MTN Arena, Lugogo
Men
-Egypt 68-59 Rwanda
-Uganda 61-70 Kenya
Women
-Egypt 86-82 Kenya
-Uganda 62-53 Rwanda
LUGOGO – Uganda got off to a mixed start at the on-going FIBA Zone V Champions at Lugogo.
The men’s team, the Silverbacks lost to Kenya while the Gazelles (Women’s team) defeated Rwanda.
In their game, the Silverbacks scored the first points but went on to trail for the rest of the game, losing 61-70 in the end.
By the end of the first quarter, Kenya were leading 22-17 and in close control of proceedings.
The five-point lead was turned into 9 as the Kenyans took the second 18-14 and in the process, led 40-31 at the long break.
The third quarter was a contest to enjoy for the fans as it ended 15-15. This meant that the visitors went into the last 10 minutes at the positive end of a 55-46 score-line.
Just like the third, the fourth also ended 15-15 ensuring Kenya won the game 70-61, their first win at the championships.
Brandon Davis impressed for team Uganda, registering a Double Double of 15 points and 21 rebounds in the losing effort.
Robinson Opong (12) and Tony Drileba (11) were the other two Silverbacks who managed double figure in terms of scoring.
The Ugandan bench contributed only 9 points on the day with James Okello managing six points while Syrus Kiviri helped himself to 3.
For Rwanda, Tylar Okari top scored on the night with 19 points while Erick Mutoro (12) and Tom Wamukota (18) joined him in double figures.
In the Gazelles’ game, they defeated Rwanda 62-53 to get their campaign off to a winning start.
Claire Lamunu stole the show off the bench, scoring 14 points and picking 9 boards.
The Gazelles trailed 0-2 inside the first 40 seconds of the game but went on to take the first set 23-11.
Rwanda powered back in the second, winning it 19-05 and ensuring they lead by 02 (30-28) at halftime.
Uganda produced a magnificent third quarter to regain their lead, scoring 22 points whilst restricting Rwanda to only 13.
The fourth was a low scoring affair with the Gazelles edging it 12-10 and winning the contest 62-53.
Zainah Lokwamweri (11) and Brenda Ekone (10) were the other Gazelles who managed double figures in terms of scoring.
Tierry Henderson put up a monster performance, scoring 28 points while shooting 10/30 from the field.
Nichole was the other Rwandese who managed double figures, helping herself to 16 in the losing effort.
In the other games played on the day, Egypt Men and Women won their fixtures, defeating Rwanda and Uganda respectively.
The action continues on Thursday after with Rwanda Women and their Kenya Counterparts playing the first game of the day.
The other Women game will have Egypt take on Uganda.
For the men, Rwanda plays Tanzania while Egypt takes on Kenya.
Thursday’s fixtures
-Rwanda vs Kenya @1pm (Women)
-Rwanda vs Tanzania @3pm (Men)
-Egypt vs Uganda @5pm (Women)
-Egypt vs Kenya @7pm (Men)
