It was a memorable day for Ugandan basketball as the women’s national team the Gazelles stunned eleven time African champions Senegal in Game 2 at the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket tournament taking place in Kigali,Rwanda.

The Gazelles came into the game on the back of a bad loss against Mali which was characterized by several unforced errors leading to so many turnovers and thus the punishment.

They sought to right the wrongs of the previous game, but it wasn’t going to be an easy task as they were up against the record champions of this competition.

As it transpired,the Gazelles came out on top in a very tightly contested game that went down to the wire,fraying the nerves of the players,officials and fans.

The Gazelles started the game strongly but a 6:13 run by Senegal meant that they closed the first quarter with a 4 point lead.

It was an end to end encounter in the second quarter but the Senegalese jumped into an 8 point gap with 2:54 left. The Gazelles however responded strong in the closing minutes and made it a 3 point game going into half time.

The momentum for the Gazelles continued in the third quarter and they took their first lead since the first quarter with 7:27 left.

The two sides then traded lead before Mellisa Akullu scored both free throws and a huge 3 pointer by Priscilla Abby made it a 4 point game. The Senegalese however responded with one of their own to make it a 1 point game.

It was a slow start to the fourth quarter with both teams just making 1 basket in the first 3 minutes, but the game reignited soon after.

Senegal kept within touching distance but somehow couldn’t catch up with the Gazelles until Aya Traore’s 3 point shot with 1:38 left.

Senegal soon took the lead after Otto was called for an unsportsmanlike and sent Dillard to the line, who made them both.

Dillard however also lost the ball on the restart thus fouling Babirye who tied the game with 00:54 left.

Jane Asinde came up huge with a steal to set off Babirye who was fouled and sent to the line once again and gave Uganda the lead.

Claire Lamunu came up with another steal for the Gazelles, Babirye made it a 3 point play after draining the ball through the net and getting the foul.

And just like that Uganda got victory in this crazy topsy turvy encounter in Kigali that will surely live long in the memory of all who witnessed it.

Match facts

Gazelles had 59 rebounds compared to 40 by Senegal. They also had 32 points in the paint against 18.

Senegal’s main weapon was the 3 point shot, and they scored 15 compared to 5 for the Gazelles.

Janon Otto led the scoring for the Gazelles with 21 points, 6 rebs, 5 assists and 2 steals.

Jane Asinde was the most efficient player for the Gazelles with 20 points, 9 rebs, 3 asts, 2 steals.

Claire Lamunu and Mellisa Akullu both collected 10 rebounds.

Aya Traore was the powerhouse for Senegal with 29 points including 6 3 point shots made.

Cierra Dillard was on the supporting cast with 21 points with a 66.7% FG.

Mali and Senegal play each other tomorrow to determine who makes the Quarter finals straight.