26th Afrobasket: Egypt humbled by South Africa 68-71

The hope of Egypt to fight for a second place finish in group-C was dashed by South Africa in both sides last group game at the Palais des Sports, Antananarivo on Sunday with the Egyptian going down by 68-71 points.

Egypt began the quest for a comfortable finish in the group and was favour by pundits to win the game took an early 22-11 points win in the first quarter and also increased the tally in the second with a 17-13 points win to take a 15 points margin lead at the break of 39-24 points but failed to hold on to the lead thus allowing the South Africa to nake a surprise comeback in the third and fourth quarters (16-29, 13-18) for a second group lose of 68-71 for a record of 1-2.

South Africa big forward Christopher Gabriel led his team with a double double effort of 14 points and 11 rebounds, skipper Neo Mothiba and Kegorapetse Letsebe each added 11 points, 3 assists, 2 steal and 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.

Both will now wait for the out come of the last group game between group leader Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire to know their true position in the group.