PRETORIA (South Africa) - Another Rwandan team inflicted defeat on the host nation, South Africa, in the FIBA U18 AfroBasket at the University of Pretoria's Rembrandt Hall on Tuesday.
After the Rwandese women's emphatic win over their South African counterparts on Monday, the East African nation's men's team followed suit by cruising to an 81-64 victory over the U18 AfroBasket hosts.
Kayijuka magic does the trick for Rwanda
A double-double (25 points and ten rebounds) from Rwanda's Dylan Kayijuka and teammate Sean Mwesigwa's 22-point contribution and five rebounds set the men in blue on the victory path.
Rwanda quickly settled into the game against a nervous-looking host nation. The East Africans out-rebounded South Africa 8-1 by the third minute. Four of the boards came from the offensive end for Rwanda - 11-0 up going in the fourth minute.
Neo Moja's two three-pointers reduced the deficit (15-7), but Rwanda regained the initiative with Jayden Rumesha's single free throw and midrange shot. Kayijuka capitalised on a lapse of concentration from ball handler Moja and raced from the centre court for the fast break dunk for the 20-7 lead. Rwanda would close out the first quarter 24-12.
Florsheim Ngwenya's team tried to keep within striking distance early in the second quarter with an Inathi Masinga three and a Kamvalihle Sibankulu bucket to cut the lead to seven (24-17). Still, Rwanda found another gear with Jonas Singiza making a layup and a single free throw.
Kayijuka (20) and Mwesigwa (15) ensured the Rwandese finished the first half strong with a 50-29 lead.
The second half saw Rwanda maintain their grip on the game, while South Africa could not match their opponent's ability to execute.
Winning captain Kayijuka they will head into the clash against Morocco motivated on Friday.
"We had a great start. I feel we have good momentum going into the next game. We always want to be better and correct mistakes we made in the last game. So, against Morocco, we are coming in with more motivation," said Kayijuka.
Morocco almost let it slip against Zambia
Morocco worked extra hard for their 84-67 victory in their opening Group C game against Zambia.
Rayane Solhi (21 points) and Omer Karem (18 points) helped lead their country scoring, which helped the North Africans to secure the win on Tuesday night. Zambia's Frank Siame led all scorers with 26 points.
For the Moroccans, the victory came at a price, with both players leaving the game injured, but speaking to FIBA.Basketball both say they will be fit for Friday's game against Rwanda.
"We feel good, but it's not the end. We are here on a mission. We will be ready, especially Karem and myself - we are the leaders of this team on offence. We also have players that can make plays, so we all be ready," said Solhi.
Karem also gave assurance on his fitness. "I feel great. It's our first time (as a group) playing in this tournament and we got our first win, so, I am proud of my team," said Karem. "I feel ok and ready to defend the Moroccan flag."
Morocco finished the first half strong (44-29 up), with Karem dropping 16 points while Solhi posted 11.
Coach Nezah Mesbahi deployed his second unit at the beginning of the half and got a quality five minutes with Solhi's drive and spin in the paint and Bahmad's highlight reel dunk stretching Morocco's lead (50-33).
But the tide turned for Zambia as they slowly chipped away at the 17-point lead of the North Africans. In the third quarter, Chomba Mulenga's eight points, Kelvin Mulenga's seven points and six points from Blessing Wakunguma saw the Southern African team fight back to close out the quarter five points down (57-52).
The discipline that saw Zambia fight back in the third quarter fell away in the final quarter. Morocco regained the initiative with Rayane Moukrim scoring eight key points to help his country secure the win.
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