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Uganda women’s national basketball team, the Gazelles posted one of the biggest wins in the nation’s basketball history after they beat giants Senegal 85-83 during matchday two of the 2023 FIBA Women Afrobasket in Kigali, Rwanda.
Uganda who lost their opening game against Mali on Friday showed character and bravery against the Senegalese and managed to hold their nerves late on to secure the historical victory.
Jannon Otto was impressive for the Gazelles as she scored 21 points, while Jane Asinde had 20 points despite playing the most of the second half in foul trouble.
Senegal led the first quarter 21-17, but Uganda fought back in the second quarter to win it 18-17 and reduce the deficit to three points heading into the long break (38-35).
The Gazelles continued with that momentum after halftime to lead 57-56 going into the last quarter.
Senegal responded in the final quarter to tie the game at 72-all with 1:11 left on the clock. They then went ahead by two points after Jannay Dillard made both her free throws after she was subjected to an unsportsmanlike by Otto.
The game went back to level again few seconds afterwards after youngster Lydia Babirye made a steal in the middle to force a foul on Jannay. The 18-year old converted both her throws.
After converting both those throws, the youngster added another few seconds later to give Uganda a point lead before making an easy layup to put Uganda 85-81 up with 13 seconds on the clock.
Senegal tried their level best to close that gap in those few remaining seconds, but they weren’t successful as they got only two points from Dillard’s layup.
Uganda now move top of group C with three points in two games.
For Senegal, they remain bottom with just a single points and will play Mali in their only other group stages game.
