Kouguere steps up as CAF deny debutants Uganda

RADES (AfroBasket 2015) - Max Kouguere has denied Uganda a first-ever victory at AfroBasket as the Central African Republic (CAF) secured a 60-56 triumph on Sunday.

Kouguere stepped up when CAF needed him most as they won their first game in AfroBasket 2015 Group A.

As CAF trailed for 27 minutes, the 28-year-old forward contributed 12 points to help his country clinch third place in the group, which also includes hosts Tunisia and Nigeria.

Uganda's Brandon Sebirumbi put on his best performance of the tournament so far with game-highs of 15 points and 13 rebounds, but his team still fell short.

Turning Point: After trailing for much of the second half, Kouguere made two free throws to tie the contest at 50-50. He then put CAF in front with a lay-up, and they never trailed again.

Stats Don't Lie: Uganda hit only 13 of their 32 free throws (41 percent).

Game Hero: Kouguere steered CAF's comeback when they seemed on the brink of their third defeat in as many games.

The Bottom Line: Heading to the fourth quarter with a six-point lead was not encouraging enough for Uganda who turned the ball over twice in the last minute of the contest. Eventually losing by four points indicates Uganda's inexperience in holding on for such a superb opportunity to win their first game ever in the history of the tournament. CAF, meanwhile, relied more on individual plays than a team effort, which could be detrimental for them in the Round of 16.

FIBA