Today
Group B
Rwanda vs Uganda 7pm Mali vs Nigeria 9:30pm
Saturday
Uganda 80-95 Mali Rwanda 70-111 Nigeria
The national basketball team will today lock horns with their regional archrivals, Uganda, in battle for a second round berth ticket at the ongoing Window 2 of the first round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup – African Qualifiers.
The decisive game gets underway at 7pm – at Lagos national stadium.
Yesterday, Rwanda fell short in front of a mighty Nigeria who stretched their unbeaten run to five games. The hosts defeated Vladimir Bosnjak’s side 111-70 to remain atop of the group.
Nigeria who have already progressed to the second round along with Mali, bossed Rwanda in all the quarters 28-24, 24-9, 30-9 and 29-28, to wrap up the game with a deserved 111-70 victory.
Obi Emegano inspired Nigeria to victory with a game high 24 points while Elie Kaje was the best scorer on Rwanda’s side with 14 points.
In another Group B game, Mali who were defeated by Rwanda in the opening game 82-72 on Friday, overcame Uganda 95-80 to book a slot to the second round on a lesser deficit in point difference compared to Rwanda, despite both teams tied on seven points while Uganda are bottom with six points. Nigeria lead the table with a maximum 10 points.
Mali have a deficit (in point difference) of 19 points while Rwanda has a deficit of 98 points.
For Rwanda to progress to the next round, the clash against Uganda is a do-or-die tie.
A defeat for Rwanda will see Uganda, with a 67-point deficit, snatching the only remaining Group B ticket to the second round of qualifiers – on a better point difference.