Sweet revenge as Universite Douala humble CNSS to boost chances of qualification for AWBL

 

YAOUNDE (Cameroon)— After an opening-day defeat at the hands of Overdose Up Station, the Universite Douala recorded an 83-55 win against CNSS of DR Congo on the second day of the African Women's Basket League Qualifiers Zone 4 Qualifiers.

The victory was a sweet revenge for the 'students' of Douala who last year fell to CNSS during the qualifiers.

At the start of the game on Day 2, CNSS won the tip-off but didn’t take advantage. Instead, it was Nguebapk Martel who opened scoring with a jump shot and Nogue Noelle followed it up with a 3-point shot for Universite.

However, Mukendi Francine of CNSS took advantage of a second chance shot to open scoring for her team but University Douala responded with two more 3-point shots from Kinyuiy Quinta to extend the lead for the University girls to keep the score at 11-2 with just 6:28 minutes still left on the clock.

With 1:57 minute left in the opening quarter, the score stood at 16-15 as CNSS staged a comeback into the game through transition offense. Their fight was not strong enough to slow down the University Douala from taking the first quarter at 21-16.

The second quarter was no different as the decision of the University Douala Coach; Ngoug Manang to introduce Michele Sokoudjou further pressured the visitors. Despite her petite size, she was a handful for the CNSS to defend. Her resilience on the court was so infectious that it pushed her teammates to get the advantage for a first-half score of 42-24.

It took over a minute for scores to open at the resumption of the third quarter. Again, it was Universite’s captain Ndoumbe Laeticia who did so with a 3-point made shot. The team from Congo played more defensively after Coach Koko Koko spoke to the girls at halftime.

Again it was not enough to slow the home team down as they closed the quarter at 21-18.

Pressure defense in the last quarter by CNSS saw them score vital baskets and forced the Universite Douala bench to call a time-out to re-strategize.

To ensure that they keep the lead, Coach Manang reintroduced Sokoudjou Michele to pressure the visitors, a job she did well before being subbed. In the end, Universite outscored the Congolese champions 20-13 for the quarter and ended the game at 83-55 to record their only win in the qualifiers.

Universite Douala forward Williams Cynthia drained 22 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist with an efficiency rating of 22 while Kinyuiyl Quinta added 10 points.

Team captain of CNSS, Kokolo Ade was the top scorer of the day with an efficiency rating of 26 while scoring 23 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals.

Rookie player of the Universite Douala Guiolobo Myrian said the victory is heartwarming. "This victory gives us so much joy knowing that our team lost to CNSS last year. Though, the CNSS transition offense was difficult for us but I am glad we won. The points difference may just give us an advantage."

Ayenga for CNSS said they threw away the game by allowing Universite open a wide margin from the start of the game. "I did't play particularly well in this game but I hope to get better. Against Overdose Up Station, I am hopeful we will play better and take a win. Anything can still happen."

The AWBL Zone 4 qualifier concludes on Sunday. 

FIBA