KIGALI (Rwanda) - Ndioma Kane did it again! A day after inspiring Senegal to a 63-61 win over Hungary, Kane came up with another man-of-the-match performance.
In the first game of the day, Agnes Torok was one of the reasons Hungary outclassed Philippines .
Here's how things unfolded at BK Arena on Tuesday.
Hungary's 57-24 rebounding advantage sinks Philippines
There was never a question as to who the winner of the rebounding battle between Hungary and Philippines would be due to the huge height difference between the two sides. And when things got underway Vrag Kiss, Reka Lelik and Veronica Kanyasi made their presence felt, finishing with 9 boards each.
And, by the final whistle, Hungary's 57-24 rebounding advantage played a significant part in their 97-60 win.
Hungary improved their Group C mark to 1-1 while Philippines dropped to 0-2 with one Group Phase left for each team.
Agnes Torot was superb offensively. The 1,83m (6ft 0in) small forward shot 10-for-11 from the floor, which included a 3-for-4 shooting from behind to finish with a game-high 25 points.
Afril Bernardino opened the score with a fadeaway shot, but it turned out Philippines' only lead of the game.
Bernardino contributed a team-high 11 points while Ella Fajardo - the other Filipina to score in double figures - added 10 points.
Virag Kiss, who finished with 6 points and 9 rebounds, explained how they desperately needed to bounce back after a 63-61 loss to Senegal. "We didn't play as tough as we can. We were really upset for that loss, and so, we made sure to comeback strong and show that we can play better. We have twelve players who can play at the same level. Hopefully we can continue to play at this level."
Kiss appreciated the support they received from a group of young local fans dressed in Hungary jerseys, and explained how their relationship began. "Two days ago we visited a Baptist Church here in Kigali where we made some donations, including some jerseys. Having their support throughout the whole game gave us an extra energy."
Senegal stay perfect
Brazil had a dream start to the game. Four straight three-pointers that gave them a comfortable 12-1 lead, but the Lionesses of Senegal only needed time adjust defensively to pull off an incredible comeback, beating Brazil 69-59.
"I am thankful that a basketball game has four quarters," Senegal head coach Otis Hughley Jr. admitted after the game.
Senegal headed to the locker room trailing 36-35, and kept their best for last. A 51-47 lead at the start of the fourth was everything Senegal could have asked for.
And when Cierra Dillard hit a three-pointer that was followed by a free-throw, which gave Senegal a ten-point lead (63-53) with 3:26 minutes left, Brazil looked helpless.
Beating Brazil is a big deal for us - Yacine Diop
Ndioma Kane, came off the bench for the second time in a row, recorded a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, and, more importantly, helped Senegal stay perfect (2-0) in Group C.
Senegal forward Yacine Diop, who contributed 11 points: reflected on Senegal's win over Brazil, saying: "We had a tough first quarter but we stuck together and always believed we could comeback. Our defense helped us a lot and that's how we were able to stay in the game. They started hitting threes, but we never panicked at all. Beating Brazil is a big deal for us. We performed really well in order to beat them."
"She doesn't realise her potential. She is long, athletic, she is going to be great. I am very proud of her," Diop said of Kane.
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