Libya and Morocco to face off in decisive Game 2 after 75-75 draw
It's now down to Tuesday's do-or-die clash where the winner will stay in Monastir to join Group B of the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifier with Cape Verde, Nigeria and Uganda.
MONASTIR (Tunisia) - Morocco rose from the ashes on Sunday in Monastir to keep their 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers hope alive
The 75-75 final score between Libya and Morocco tells a story of how unpredictable this two-game series to decide Zone 1's representative at 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers is.
Morocco trailed by 18 points in the second quarter, but they showed a tremendous team effort in the fourth quarter, outscoring Libya 26-10 and keep the series wide open.
Kevin Franceschi
The reason Libya wasted a superb chance to take a commanding lead in the series was because of their struggles to contain Morocco's long-range shooting, and turning the ball over six times in the final quarter.
Inspired by Kevin Franceschi, who was 4-for-9 from beyond the arc, Morocco made 11 of 29 three-pointers and made the most of their productive bench, which outscored Libya's 16-6.
Mohamed Sadi and Jalal Salem Saeid - the only two Libyans to score in double digits - were at their best, leading Libya in scoring with 24 and 25 points, respectively.
Sadi finished with game-highs of 7 assists and grab 7 rebounds.
Mohamed Sadi and Jalal Salem Saeid
Meanwhile, Franceschi, the 2023 FIBA AfroCan MVP, sparked Morocco's offense with a game-high 25 points.
There's a lot at stake in this series. While Libya are in hunt for their first AfroBasket ticket since 2009, Morocco, who missed out the 2021 edition of FIBA Africa's flagship event, are hoping to rejoin the AfroBasket community.
It's now down to Tuesday's do-or-die clash where the winner will stay in Monastir to join Group B of the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifier with Cape Verde, Nigeria and Uganda.
CLICK HERE TO RE-WATCH GAME 1 OF THE 2025 AFROBASKET PRE-QUALIFIERS BETWEEN LIBYA AND MOROCCO.
FIBA