Senegal cruise past AfroBasket debutants Uganda and into Quarter-Finals

RADES (AfroBasket 2015) - Senegal had little trouble beating AfroBasket debutants Uganda in Wednesday’s first Round of 16 game, taking a comprehensive 79-48 victory.

Although Uganda led for seven minutes early in the contest, Senegal's Antoine Mendy made sure to get his team back on the right track as they improved their AfroBasket 2015 record to 4-0.

Mendy's game-high 22 points were too much for Uganda, who themselves counted on Stanley Ocitti's team-best 16 points.

Turning Point: Mendy scored 12 of Senegal's 16 points in the first quarter to overturn Uganda's early five-point lead. By half-time, Senegal had a comfortable 36-22 advantage and remained firmly in control the rest of the way.

Stats Don't Lie: Ocitti was the only Ugandan to score in double digits as they shot a lowly 22 percent from the field.

Game Hero: Even though Senegal led by as many 34 points, Gorgui Dieng clocked 33:37 minutes of playing time. Perhaps there was no need for him to play quite that much, but the 25-year-old center never gave in.

The Bottom Line: Senegal were clearly superior to Uganda as they dominated for most of the contest. They not only out-rebounded Uganda 56-48, but they also played better and are through to Thursday's Quarter-Finals when they will face the winners of the Cameroon-Algeria Round of 16 contest. As for Uganda, they really never posed a threat to Senegal and are yet to win a game in the tournament, but may have a chance in the Classification Games.

FIBA