Uganda Gazelles thrash DR Congo to reach Afrobasket quarters

Uganda Gazelles have qualified for the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket 2023 following a 78-62 win over DR Congo Tuesday night in Kigali, Rwanda.

Alberto Antuna’s charges needed a big third quarter performance to pull away after an evenly-contested first half that ended level (30-30).

Jane Asinde overcame a quiet first half in which she picked up three fouls and exploded in the last two quarters to score 18 points in the end.

Congo had a three-point lead (15-12) at the end of the first quarter, but Uganda responded by taking the second frame 18-15 to ensure scores were levelled going into the long break.

Uganda took the third frame 23-15 to start breaking away and completed the job with another solid fourth quarter performance (23-17) to win by 16 points.

Backed by a largely partisan crowd inside the BK Arena, the Gazelles responded every time Congo tried to put up a run.

Uganda’s full-court press in the second half overwhelmed Congo and produced the goods as the Gazelles raced to a 23-point lead in the fourth frame.

Coach Antuna got the opportunity to hand his fringe players a run out with the Gazelles out of sight.

Ritah Imanishimwe and Evelyn Nakiyingi got their first appearances at the tournament and completed the job despite some nervous moments.

Jannon Otto continued to lead the way for Uganda, with her mid-range clinic stretching into this game as she recorded 18 points to go with nine rebounds.

Jane Asinde seems to get into her element when in foul trouble and picked up three in the first half before exploding offensively in the last two quarters.

She matched Otto’s 18 points, while Claire Lamunu put up a Player of the Game performance with a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Melissa Akullu got 10 points and nine rebounds, while youngster Lydia Babirye looks to have cemented her place as Uganda’s starting point guard.

The 18-year-old dished out 11 assists, including a highlight quarterback-like pass to Akullu from her own half. She added seven points to help the Gazelles book a slot in the final eight.

Hope Akello came off the bench to collect 11 rebounds and score six points.

Next on the agenda for the Gazelles is a mouth-watering clash with neighbours and hosts Rwanda Wednesday night.

FIBA Women’s Afrobasket 2023

Tuesday result

Uganda 78-62 DR Congo