Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Senegal vs. Uganda 3:30pm (Ugandan Time)
Uganda’s Silverbacks may have lost all their group games but can go on and play the championship game like Egypt did in the previous tournament – but first, they have to knock out Senegal on Wednesday afternoon at the round of 16.
After finishing fourth in Group A following the 60-56 loss to the Central Africa Republic on Sunday, Uganda will cross with Group C winners Senegal who edged defending champions Angola 74-73 in the their group decider.
Going into the game, Senegal who are unbeaten in the tournament will be looking to Gorgui Dieng. The Minnesota Timberwolves center has been explosive for the side that made Afrobasket through a wild card averaging 26 points and 14 rebounds.
The young center is joined by Antoine Mendy and Maleye Ndoye on frontcourt and the trio have been a handful on the offensive end at the continental championship thus far with Mendy and Ndoye making significant contributions offensively.
Senegal’s Gorgui Dieng (14) will be a handful for Uganda’s defense (Photo Credits: FIBA)
The experienced pair along with the main man Dieng will without doubt torment Uganda’s defense that has not been steady. In fact only Gabon (267) and Mozambique (252) have let more points than Uganda (235).
Uganda’s front court of Steven Omony, Brandon Sebirumbi and Stanley Ocitti with help from Samuel Kalwanyi and Henry Malinga will have to be top notch to contain anything that Senegal’s Dieng, Ndoye and Mendy.
Xane Dalmeida harnesses the Senegal’s scoring abilities from the point. Uganda’s back court of Kassim Nagwere and Samuel Mukooza as well as Jimmy Enabu and Josh Johnson will have to slow down the Senegalese point guard and limit his running and creation of plays.
Silverbacks’ center, Brandon Sebirumbi had his best game of the tournament against Central Africa Republic turning in 15 points and 13 rebounds in a losing effort and coach, Mandy Juruni will be hoping for a similar contribution from the big man.
Skipper, Steven Omony has been Uganda’s most offensively consistent player and will be key for the Silverbacks who have struggled to find the basket at all ranges – even from the foul line.
Steven Omony has been Uganda’s most offensively consistent player (Photo Credits: FIBA)
Power forward, Stanley Ocitti has gone somewhat quite after the opening big night and could be looking to change the feat.
Uganda will need patience in creating the best shots with better passing and limit turning over the ball through bad passes. Running at and down the mostly big Senegalese team should not be far in the offensive options.
Other Wednesday Fixtures (All Ugandan Time)
Cape Verde vs. Gabon 6:00pm
Nigeria vs. Mozambique 8:30pm
Cameroon vs. Algeria 11:00pm
