Junior Silverbacks shine, Burundi annihilate Tanzania in U16 African Championship Qualifiers

 

KIGALI (Rwanda) - Uganda got their FIBA 16 African Championship Zone 5 Qualifiers campaign for a slot in the Final Round set for Tunisia (13-23 July) off to a winning start as they took on hosts Rwanda. 

Elsewhere, Tanzania were no match for the free-scoring Burundi as they fell 86-38 in the second match of the day leaving them with a mountain to climb in an attempt to qualify. 

UGANDA BEAT RWANDA

Keen to join their women counterparts who have already booked a ticket to the U16 Women’s African Championship, the Junior Silverbacks held their own under immense pressure on and off the court to grab a 59-56 clutch victory in Kigali, Rwanda.

Tijan Joel Rugette was Uganda's revelation to the rest of the continent as the youngster exploded for a match-high 27 points, adding 13 rebounds and ten fouls drawn to aid his side get their campaign off on the right footing. 

Coach Patrick Habiyaremye's charges had not only the home-court advantage but also the crowd going in their favour as they opened action for the Qualifiers. 

The hosts had a strong start going 10-8 up in the opening five minutes of the match, with Uganda proving to be no pushovers thus setting the stage for a spectacular show. 

At the conclusion of their first quarter, the lead was up to three points in a 17-14 scoreline. 

The second quarter was no different as the home side kept their foot firmly on the pedal but Uganda would just not go away as they kept fighting on.

It was a somewhat even period as Uganda scored 11 against 10 to reduce their deficit to just a single basket going into the half-time breather (27-25)

At this point, Rugette had already announced himself as the danger man for the Junior Silverbacks, having hit double digits at 10 before the break, leaving the hosts with some strategizing to do in the locker room. 

Only Rwanda's David Ganza had come close to such numbers with seven of his 10 points scored in the two opening periods. 

The second half lived up to its billing as the two sides continued their see-saw of a clash that had the lead change hands 12 times with 11 ties in the 40 minutes of play. 

Michael Seger's charges kept the faith and despite being under immense pressure made sure not to be intimidated to see the two sides head to the decider quarter tied on 42 points. 

Michael Bono, who finished the match with seven points after 31.49 minutes of marshalling the floor, was instrumental in Uganda's win, especially in the final quarter where his side scored 17 against 14 for victory. 

Rwanda's Juru Cedrick led the charts for his side with a double-double (14 points and 15 rebounds) as Joseph Nshimiye top scored for the side at 16. David Ganza was the other player to manage a double in points at 10.

BURUNDI TRASH TANZANIA 86-38

It was raining double-doubles for Burundi against the struggling Tanzania who went as low as scoring a single point in the third quarter of the one-sided clash.

Prince Charmant led the scoring with 23 points and 17 rebounds as Bruce Kenny Arakaza went 17/16 adding to Andy Aurel Hezagira's 20 points. Skipper Jedidja Gakiza contributed 14 points in the massive win. 

Tanzania did not have a full squad and that seemed to have significantly affected coach Mohamed Yusuf Mchenga's rotation. 

Captain Ally Juma, who was on the court for all but 12 seconds of the clash, managed 12 points and 8 rebounds as Robert Nkurlu who played 32.22 minutes made 13 pints and 12 rebounds. 

As expected, Burundi led on all fronts with only two lead changes early on in the match as Tanzania were first to opening the scoring. 

FIBA