Team Uganda won just a single game in 6 games played at the 2024 FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup which happened in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The ladies team played all their 2 games on Friday 29th December and they lost both games.
They fell to Egypt 21-13 in their opener and 21-14 in their second game of the day.
Egypt scored just 2 2-point shots but did most of their magic in the paint.
The foul trouble also heavily affected Uganda as they sent Egypt to the line 10 times and they scor3d 6 of those.
Player Stats
- Lydia Babirye 6 pts, 6 reb
- Perus Nyamwenge 6 pts, 2 reb
- Agatha Kamwada 1 pt, 2 reb
- Hope Akello 8 reb
It was a massacre against Madagascar who seemed not to miss any shots from the 2-point line.
They scored 7/12 attempts, and that efficiency came in very handy.
With 5:48 left in the game, the hosts led 18-8 and it was very difficult for Uganda to make a comeback.
Despite trying, Madagascar finished the game with 4:11 left, and that result means Uganda did not progress to the next stage.
Player Stats
- Lydia Babirye 9 pts, 4 reb
- Perus Nyamwenge 2 pts
- Agatha Kamwada 3 pts, 1 reb
- Hope Akello 4 reb
The men won their opening game 13-8 against Benin but the rest of the games were underwhelming.
Experience played a big factor in the Silverbacks’ win against Benin and despite it not being a blow out, Benin did not look like they could win the game.
Stats in Game One
Jimmy Enabu 3 pts, 7 reb, 2 KAS
James Okello 4 pts, 6 reb
Joseph Chuma 3 pts, 3 reb
Tonny Drileba 3 pts, 4 reb
Mauritania was shooting lights out from 2P and the team seemed to have no solution.
After 3 minutes, Mauritania led the game 12-2 and at the rate with which they were shooting, it was going to be a shot game.
However, Uganda came back in the game and managed to delay the inevitable.
Silverbacks engaged a high gear defensively, managed to get a couple of stops and scored to bring the game within a reasonable range.
Player Stats in Game 2
James Okello 8 pts, 8 reb
Tonny Drileba 3 pts, 4 reb
Joseph Chuma 3 pts, 3 reb
Jimmy Enabu 1 pt, 2 reb
On day 2, the boys took on Seychelles in their first game and lost 17-15 in a nail-biter.
With 9 seconds left on the clock, James Okello had a chance to tie the game but he missed the free throw and Seychelles went on to win.
The final game against the hosts and eventual winners Madagascar was a very tough for Uganda.
The Silverbacks were playing catch up the whole time and this was down to the early 6-0 run that Madagascar opened with.
They also closed the game with a 9-0 run, including 4 2-point shots made.
Stats
- James Okello 4.5 Pts, 11/30, 36.7% FG, 2/6, 33% FT, 20 Reb, 5 RPG
- Joseph Chuma 3.3 pts, 10/27, 37% FG, 14 reb, 3.5 RPG
- Tonny Drileba 3.0 pts, 7/26, 26.9% FG, 4 Blk, 16 reb, 4 RPG
- Jimmy Enabu 2.3 pts, 6/25, 24% FG, 14 reb, 3.5 RPG, 2 blk
The average age for the men’s team 32.75 years and this poses very many questions.
Which players will be the future of 3×3 Uganda Basketball?
Uganda Christian University had just played in the FIBA University World Cup, couldn’t we pick one or 2 youngsters to play with the team?
In contrast, the lady’s team’s average age was 23.5 years, the oldest being Akello Hope, 26 years old.
The future looks bright more so for the ladies, given that the U23 recently played at the world Cup but the men’s future isn’t showing very positive signs.
The results at the tournament are a sign that we need to build and trust some youngsters when the bug games come around as it is good for their experience.
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