Top 5 Performances from Day 1 of FIBA Africa Basketball League 2019

ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) – The FIBA Africa Basketball League Group D action started on Friday in Madagascar. A number of players did a bit of everthing to help their teams secure their first win in the four-team showdown.

Here are some of the game changers that shone brighter.

1. Augustine Okosun (Smouha S.C.)
Nigeria's Okosun led the Egyptian side Smouha Sporting club to a comprehensive 78-65 win over ASB Mazembe of DR Congo.

The 2.08m (6ft10in) Power Forward came up with team-highs 19points and 12 rebounds. He achieved this feat with only 23 minutes on the pitch. He also added some classy moves too.

 
2. James Justice (Smouha S.C.)
Justice is the other Smouha player who made is ABL debut in style. The 30-year-old point guard finished with a double double (18 points and 12 rebounds). He grabbed three out of six three-pointers. A natural-born leader on the court, his shooting skills came in handy at almost every attempt he made.

3. Olimpio Cipriano (Petro de Luanda)
The angolan veteran Cipriano spent 25 minutes on the court and had a pivotal role for Petro de Luanda as he led all the players in scoring. The 36-year-old Forward netted 12 of his game-high 18 points from behind the arc. He also added  two assists to his credit.

4. Claudio Rajaonarivony (COSPN)
The Malagasy side needed a hero. And even if the hosts suffered a 76-99 defeat, Rajaonarivony rose to the occasion, as he came off the bench and scored what could be described as the day’s best run. The 30-year-old Forward poured in team-high 16points His association with Livio Ratianarivo did hit their opponents scare in the face.

5. Gege Kizubanata (BC Mazembe)
Twenty points and 12 rebounds earned Gege Kizubanata the right to feature among the top performers for Day 1. He would be one of the names to follow during the days to come.

FIBA