CAIRO (Egypt) - The reigning Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) bronze medallists, Armee Patriotique Rwandaise (APR), secured their place in the semi-finals on Friday in Cairo, narrowly defeating Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 79–76 in a closely contested clash.
The game, with 13 lead changes, was decided in the final minute as KPA overcame a 14-point deficit early on, 10 at the end of the first half (42-32), to force a see-saw.
We know who we are and we are chasing the championship. - Destiney Philoxy
Aminata Samassekou's unsportsmanlike foul with less than 30 seconds remaining sent Kamba Yoro Diakite to the free-throw line with the game at 77-76. She converted both to close the game out. Former African Most Valuable Player Italee Lucas shot 9-for-18, including a 50 percent conversion from range, for 4, to finish with a team-high 22 points in a game four starters dropped double digits. The Angolan international provided 7 assists, adding 5 rebounds. While Lucas led the charge on offense, Destiney Philoxy, on the floor for 40 minutes, carried the team on her shoulders, for a spectacular performance that saw her shoot 5-for-8 from inside, while converting 8-of-10 from the charity stripe to score 18 points. Philoxy's 8 assists and as many rebounds, coupled with 3 steals had her finishing as the most efficient player for Coach Charles Mushumba, rating 25.
Meanwhile, three-time WNBA champions Kierstan Bell made her presence felt with 17 points off a 7-for-13 shooting from the floor, that included 3-for-7 from deep, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and as many blocks had her finishing with 23 in efficiency rating. The otherAPR player to play the entire game, Yacine Diop, bagged the only double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
American-born Rwandese international, Philoxy said: "Credit to KPA, they are a great team. We played well and made sure we punched first. We played them in Kenya (during the Zone 5 qualifiers) so we knew how aggressive they are. We knew they had two new players we needed to take care of. The two, Sara Dickey and Alexus Johnson were averaging about 20 and 15 points respectively and we had to take them out of the game."
Heading to the semis, Philoxy believes they have what it takes to take the championship, adding: "I see us making it. We know who we are and we are chasing the championship. Last season we came third and we want it. Regardless of who is in front of us, the only way is through them not around. "
FIBA