Robeyns sends Rwanda to the 2023 FIBA AfroCan

 

DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) - Rwanda on Friday became the latest team to qualify for the 2023 FIBA AfroCan after trashing Burundi 70-48 thanks to a jaw-dropping performance from William Robeyns who put on a great show throughout the game.

Earlier in the day, South Sudan defeated hosts Tanzania 78-51 in the Africa Zone 5's Third-Place Game.

RWANDA BOUNCE BACK

Rwanda took to the court seeking revenge after their 53-52 loss to Burundi on Thursday. And they did it in style as they dominated every aspect of the game.

Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza accounted for 8 points and  rebounds for Rwanda

Led by Robeyns, who scored a game-high 19 points to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Rwanda paved their way to success from the start.

Out-rebounding their opponents at both ends of the court, and being more aggressive on the defensive side with 27 rebounds and 5 blocks, Rwanda were also better from three-point range, scoring 33 points from their 28 attempts, while Burundi could only hit 4 of 20.

Despite a few warnings along the way, they managed to fend off a very competitive Burundi side.

Although Rwanda led by 16 points at the end of the first quarter, Burundi found a way to cut the deficit to 10 points by half-time, and both teams finished the second quarter with 16 points apiece.

The third and fourth quarters were all Rwanda's, as they outscored their opponents by 6 points (27-21) to claim the win and the sole ticket to Zone 5.

Along with Robeyns, Dieudonne Ndizeye also finished the game with double-digit points. He contributed15 points and 4 rebounds, while Kendall Gray added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.

With the win, Rwanda end the tournament with a 4-1 record after losing to Burundi in the group stage. Burundi finished second (4-1).

Rwanda will join Morocco and the winner of Africa Zone 1 qualifier in Group C at the FIBA AfroCan in July, in Angola.

SOUTH SUDAN CLAIM THIRD-PLACE

South Sudan also had reason to celebrate as they won the Third-Place Game against Tanzania 75-51.

The South Sudanese showed a lot of skill and determination to win the game.

Ruay Gatyang scored 17 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. He was supported by Koch Bak, who had a double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds) and 4 assists, while David Deng (13 points, 9 rebounds) and Alex Dung added 10 points each.

Gatwang Thuok Kuol Dieu

Juma Amini was the only Tanzanian to reach double figures. His 10 points and 6 rebounds were not enough to keep South Sudan at arm's length.

The Bright Stars jumped out to a 21-12 lead in the first quarter. They maintained their scoring consistency and added another 19 points to their tally by the halftime break, before finally taking control of the game in the third quarter (22-14). 

The hosts showed some resistance in the final period (14-14). But the deed was done and South Sudan finish the tournament with a 3-2 record.

FIBA