HOIMA (Uganda) - Burundian champions Urunani and Madagascar’s COSPN took the floor of the newly commissioned Hoima City Arena in the East Division Group D opener on Wednesday afternoon.
Urunani, who claimed a 93-69 win, wasted no time in asserting their dominance early on the game through quick transition coupled with aggressive defense that denied COSPN clean looks at the basket.
COSPN’s shooting struggles throughout the first half of the game made Urunani’s defensive assignments lighter, as they did not have to run and close out shooters.
Despite COSPN’s improved second half on both ends of the floor, the 35-point deficit at the half proved too huge to overcome.
Offensively, Urunani’s forwards Chingka Garba and Mahamane Coulibaly, who finished with 18 and 21 points, respectively, ran the floor so well as point guard Jeffery Tyrone Stubbs directed the traffic. Yves Nsengiyumva always occupied the corners on transition and was regularly found wide open and shot 40% from 3-point range.
Stubbs controlled the tempo of the game well, finding a proper balance between running transition and half-court sets. The star guard took charge of the second-half scoring for Urunani when COSPN tried to rally back into the game, ultimately finishing with 17 points and 8 assists.
No time to rest
Coach Elvis Hakizimana knows his side cannot rest on their laurels with a huge game coming up on Gameday 2 against South Sudan’s Patriots, who are loaded with BAL experience.
For coach Tojo Hery Rasamoelina, COSPN can not afford another slow start when they return to action on Thursday against the Namuwongo Blazers, whose game has similarities to that of Urunani.
FIBA