ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - Stivine Tchiakpe of Benin finished with a game-high 27 points, 12 rebounds, and one assist, earning a game efficiency of 18. However, her team lost to Morocco 59-45.
Both sides needed this win badly, and even so, the first half ended 35-34 in favor of Morocco.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Morocco's full-court press proved decisive.
After leading by one at halftime, Morocco's coaching staff identified Benin's weakness in handling pressure and exploited it. Morocco's 17-5 third-quarter lead was the result of a near-total defensive lockdown.
Benin's inability to convert against the press likely stemmed from rushed possessions and live-ball turnovers that fed Morocco's transition offense.
Considering how lopsided both teams' first two games were (Morocco lost by 53 and 73, and Benin by 104 and 47), this was by far the most competitive game either team played in the tournament, and Morocco's adjustments won them this matchup.
Fatima Messnoui of Morocco led her team in scoring with 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in a game that saw five lead changes and five ties.
Coach Mohamed Mesbahi reflected on the game, saying it was crucial for Morocco’s hopes of progressing to the quarterfinals.
"This game was important in giving us a chance to be among the top eight. My players did everything possible.”
He also explained the tactical changes that helped Morocco improve their defense in the second half.
“We pressed in defence, denied the passes and stopped their number 11 from getting the ball. That helped us change the game.”
The coach added that regardless of the outcome, the tournament had provided valuable experience for his young team. “If we are not in the eight, we will play nine to sixteen. It is still good experience for Morocco.”
Regarding Benin’s performance against Morocco, captain Stivine Tchiakpe attributed the loss partly to pressure and nerves. He explained that the team was under considerable stress before the game. “We were very stressed before the game because it was our last one, and we hadn’t won any before then. We were under pressure,” she said. She also mentioned the team’s poor shooting as another factor in the loss, noting that Benin had difficulty converting the opportunities they created. “Another difference was our shooting. We took a lot of shots, but we did not make enough of them,” she added.
FIBA