Uganda’s shooting guard at the ongoing FIBA Africa U18 Championships, Ivan Muhwezi struggles to score under pressure but like many youth players thrives on the open court fast breaks.
No surprise he struggled against Egypt, Angola and most of the game against the Democratic Republic of Congo as Uganda lost all the three games to start at their first ever under age continent appearance.
However, against Benin whose transition and set defense is almost absent, Muhwezi found his comfort zone and went for team high 16 points coupled with 6 assists as Uganda recorded their first victory on Tuesday afternoon at the Amahoro Indoor Stadium.
Quick Start
Unlike the previous three games, Uganda made a quick start with Ivan Muhwezi having the run outs scoring the team’s 8 points to start the quarter on four lay-up shots.
Uganda went on to score more 9 unanswered points before Abdel Toukourou (16 points) made Benin’s first basket. Muhwezi then netted a 3-pointer to close the opening period with 11 points.
With Uganda leading 20-4 after the first quarter, all was nothing but done as Benin found no way back.
Point guard, Elvis Ssentongo and center, Mathew Ochieng contributed 14 points each while Henry Okoth chipped in with 11 points. Osama Arion and Geoffrey Kasasa scored 8 points apiece.
Romeo Dahassounou scored 15 points for Benin who alongside Gabon are without a win at the tournament.
