MTN Arena Lugogo witnessed a dominant performance by Uganda as they defeated Rwanda 78-40 in the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers on Sunday evening. Uganda’s strong play was evident from the second period, where they outscored Rwanda 31-13.
Mia Belinda Alaba: A Standout Player
The Junior Gazelles maintained their lead, showcasing superior defense and offensive prowess. Uganda’s Mia Belinda Alaba was a standout player, contributing 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists over 17 minutes on the court.
Abigail Mpoza’s Contribution
Abigail Mpoza also added 5 points and 2 rebounds in her 7 minutes of play. Rwanda struggled to keep up, with Brigitte Nibishaka being the only player to significantly impact the scoreboard, securing 20 points and an impressive 22 rebounds.
Shooting Disparity
Despite her efforts, Rwanda’s overall shooting percentage was only 17%, compared to Uganda’s 34%. The Rwandan team also had a high turnover rate, with 51 turnovers compared to Uganda’s 25, significantly impacting their performance.
Advancement and Outlook
The victory advances Uganda’s position in the qualifiers, setting the stage for their next game against Tanzania on Monday evening. Rwanda, having lost to Kenya earlier, will look to improve in their upcoming match.
In conclusion, this qualifier is part of a series of games leading to the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket championship in South Africa.
