- Uganda 86-102 Nigeria
- Rwanda 74-70 Mali
Uganda lost their first game of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers at Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga in Bamako, Mali.
Despite having a huge first quarter, Silverbacks could not match D’Tigers in the explosive second quarter and eventually fell 102-86.
Uganda controlled the opening ten minutes with shooting guard Robinson Opong Odoch taking charge for the Silverbacks complemented by Jimmy Enabu for a 27-18 lead.
Nigeria exploded for 29 points in the second quarter as the Ugandans folded for 19 and the West Africans led 47-46 at the half.
The second half belonged to the Nigerians as they knocked off every Silverbacks attempt at a comeback in the game.
Enabu poured in game high 27 points in a losing , Opong had 25 points while Stephen Omony the other Uganda Ugandan to get to double figures in scoring had 11 points.
Meanwhile, Michael Efevberha lead Nigeria’s team effort with 20 points, Ike Diogu had 19 points while Benjamin Uzoh, Obi Emagano, Talib Zanna and Ikenna Mbamalu chipped in with 15, 14, 13 and 11 points respectively.
Uganda take on hosts Mali on Saturday while Nigeria face Rwanda in the first game of the day.
Rwanda defeated Mali 74-70 in the other game of the opening day with Kenneth Gasana, Kami Kabange, Olivier Shyaka and Hamza Ruhezamihigo leading the way for Rwanda with 16, 13, 13 and 10 points respectively.