Senegal and Tunisia square off for third place at AfroBasket 2015
RADES (AfroBasket 2015) - Senegal's attempt to win their second AfroBasket title since 1997 was abruptly denied on Saturday. Now, they will take on the AfroBasket 2015 hosts Tunisia in Sunday's battle for
RADES (AfroBasket 2015) - Senegal's attempt to win their second AfroBasket title since 1997 was abruptly denied on Saturday. Now, they will take on the AfroBasket 2015 hosts Tunisia in Sunday's battle for third place.
It will be the first time since 2009 that Tunisia and Senegal face each other.
The Western African hold a 2-0 head-to-head advantage dating back to 2005, and head into contest with a slight advantage in key aspects of the game.
The Tunisians' struggles to score were exposed in the Semi-Final against Angola in which they trailed trailed 24-15 at half-time - the lowest half-time score in the last 50 years of the tournament.
Tunisia star Salah Mejri limped off the court with 2 points in 26:29 minutes, and it remains to be seen whether or not coach Adel Tlatli will use him for their final appearance in the tournament.
Both Senegal and Tunisia head into Sunday's game with 5-1 marks, but Gorgui Dieng's Senegal were the higher scoring of the two teams, averaging 78 points per game against the Tunisians' 67.
On Saturday, Tunisian were unable to capitalise on the tireless support of the 12,000 strong home fans, and will take to the court less than 24 hours after a defeat that ended their aspirations to re-claim the continental trophy they first won in 2011.
Over 12,000 Tunisian fans sold out Salle Omnisport de Rades to support the home team in their Semi-Final defeat to reigning champions Angola.
Whichever the outcome in Sunday’s match-up between Senegal and Tunisia, both teams have ensured a place in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
FIBA