ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - Madagascar (Men) and Kenya (Women) earned crucial wins in unbeaten displays on Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup on December 6.
TEAMS
MADAGASCAR (Men)
The reigning champs showed up and showed out on home turf tonight! Madagascar were firing on all cylinders as they showcased just why they’re the side to beat.
A rematch of last year’s Final tipped off their pool phase and the result remained the same. Madagascar star Elly Randriamampionona led the way with 10 points in a 21 - 18 victory.
It was a win yet again in their battle against Botswana, this time 18 - 13 with another mammoth showing from Randriamampionona who put up 8 points and 9 rebounds. Livio Ratianarivo added 6 points and 6 rebounds in a resounding result.
Another Africa Cup win is in sights for Madagascar as they look to be in fine form heading into knockout games tomorrow.
KENYA (Women)
After splitting results on Day 1, pressure was on the 2023 Africa Cup champs to get wins in their games tonight.
They delivered just that, earning convincing victories over Comoros and Botswana. Maryann Wanjiku was at the forefront of their 21 - 13 win over Comoros, putting up 9 points and 5 rebounds. Mashar Ooko held it down for Kenya in their second win against Botswana, grabbing a whopping 11 rebounds and chipping in 4 points as well.
Kenya seem to have found their groove as they look to earn that elusive cup win yet again.
PLAYERS
JUSTIN UWITONZE (Rwanda)
This Just-in, he can get buckets!
Rwanda earned their place into the Quarter-Finals, and Justin Uwitonze was lighting it up to make it happen.
They earned the all-important win against Botswana 22 - 17 where Justin put up 11 points and 7 rebounds. 8 of his points came from beyond the two-point arc, including a game-ending dagger to seal the deal.
They lost to Madagascar, but Justin led his side in scoring yet again, putting up 8 points in what was a hotly contested battle, falling 21 - 18 on the side of Madagascar.
Rwanda are looking to avenge their loss in 2024 and there’s no doubt Uwitonze will lead the charge in their endeavour.
MINAHARISOA JAOFERA (Madagascar)
Despite a perfect start to pool action on Day 1, the job wasn’t done for the women from Madagascar. They were yet to go against a strong Tunisian side and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Their first game ended up being an absolute thriller, going down to the wire. With the game swaying towards Tunisia, Jaofera stepped up. She drilled a huge two-pointer before driving in for the dagger. They came away with a 20 - 18 victory where she put up 10 points,
In their second game, a 21 - 13 victory, Jaofera went off again. She put up 12 points this time, closing out a perfect pool display with back-to-back star showings.
They got another title win on their mind, and the impact of Jaofera will determine how close they get to the accolade.
MEN’S QUARTER-FINAL
Algeria v Tunisia
Madagascar v Kenya
Zambia v Rwanda
Egypt v Democratic Republic of the Congo
WOMEN’S SEMI-FINAL
Madagascar v Kenya
Rwanda v Egypt
DAY 3
Crunch time hits tomorrow as we close the season out by crowning our champions of the Africa Cup. Tune in LIVE to the action through the FIBA 3x3 YouTube channel.