Heritier Bahizi<\/b><\/p>\n
Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Uganda’s Gazelles set a quarterfinal date with East African rivals Rwanda following Tuesday night\u2019s 78-62 victory over DR Congo in the classification round of the Women’s Afrobasket going on in Kigali.<\/p>\n It is the first time Uganda women\u2019s basketball team has advanced to the knockout stage of the prestigious continental tournament.<\/p>\n In the first half, the Gazelles faced a scrappy battle, committing 14 turnovers, shooting 6-of-13 from the line, and missing easy layups. However, they turned things around in the third quarter, implementing a full-court press that troubled the Congolese and allowed them to build a double-digit lead.<\/p>\n By the fourth quarter, the team tactfully slowed down the offense, extending their lead to as many as 23 points with less than 4 minutes to play.<\/p>\n Coach Alberto Antuna took advantage of the commanding lead and granted playing time to Ritah Imanishimwe and Evelyn Nakiyingi, who made their tournament debut.<\/p>\n Janon Otto led the charge with her impressive mid-range game, amassing a game-high 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists. Jane Asinde, despite dealing with 3 fouls in the second half, matched the game-high with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.<\/p>\n Additionally, Claire Lamunu (12 points and 14 rebounds) and Melissa Akullu (10 points and 9 rebounds) also contributed with double-figure scoring.<\/p>\n Youngster Lydia Babirye shined with 11 assists, including a highlight reel pass to Akullu from half-court. She also added 7 points to the tally. Hope Akello played a significant role with 11 rebounds and 6 points.<\/p>\n Throughout the game, Uganda held the lead for an impressive 25 minutes and 46 seconds, displaying their dominance on the court.<\/p>\n Despite DRC’s efforts, Gracia Nguz led the team’s losing effort with 15 points off the bench, while point guard Ketia Mbelu contributed 13 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.<\/p>\n Coach Alberto Antuna’s team will now face hosts Rwanda in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, August 2, at 6 pm as they continue their quest for the semifinals.<\/p>\n WATCH: Uganda coach Alberto Carlos Antuna Leal and point guard Jannon Jaye Otto share their excitement after qualifying for the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n They express their expectations as they gear up to face hosts #Rwanda in the upcoming clash on Wednesday at 6PM.<\/p>\n : @MugwizaO \/TNT pic.twitter.com\/JV3DMsifRv<\/p>\n \u2014 The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) August 1, 2023<\/p>\n In other classification round fixtures, Guinea beat Angola 71-69 while Egypt suffered a shock 60-71 defeat to Senegal. Mozambique progressed to the final eight stage after thrashing Cote d\u2019Ivoire 70-48.<\/p>\n Quarterfinal fixtures get underway on Wednesday as follow:<\/p>\n Cameroon Vs Senegal 12:00PM<\/p>\n Mali Vs Guinea 3:00PM<\/p>\n Rwanda Vs Uganda 6:00PM<\/p>\n Nigeria Vs Mozambique 9:00PM<\/p>\n\r\n