Uganda Gazelles Dominate Kenya in FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Opener.
The Uganda Gazelles secured a commanding 78-56 victory against Kenya in their opening match of the 2025 FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers in Cairo on Monday.
Despite missing key players Melissa Akullu and Jamilah 'Zama' Nansinkombi due to visa issues, the Gazelles displayed strong control from the start. Through stellar offense and defense, they established an early lead of 23-11 in the first quarter.
Kenya struggled with shooting, making only 2 of 16 field goals under intense pressure from Uganda. Jane Asinde and Paige Robinson led Uganda's attack, scoring 17 points on 7 of 8 shooting in the opening period.
The second quarter saw equal play from both teams, though Kenya scored the final five points. A last-second three-pointer from Kenya was ruled invalid, leaving Uganda ahead 40-28 at halftime.
Uganda pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Kenya 17-9. Asinde added 8 points to reach 23 total, becoming the only player to exceed 20 points in the game.
The Gazelles maintained their advantage through the fourth quarter. Young players Modesta Anyango Maxine and Bushira Namayanja entered late in the game and made positive contributions.
Team captain Jane Asinde finished with 24 points to lead all scorers. Newcomer Paige Robinson scored 15 points in her first appearance. Shakira Nanvubya put up impressive numbers with 14 points, six rebounds, and seven assists across 37 minutes of play. Claire Lamunu and Becky Longom added nine and eight points, respectively.
The Gazelles' next game is on Tuesday, February 4, against tournament hosts Egypt, considered the favorites.
The Uganda Gazelles secured a commanding 78-56 victory against Kenya in their opening match of the 2025 FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers in Cairo on Monday.
Despite missing key players Melissa Akullu and Jamilah 'Zama' Nansinkombi due to visa issues, the Gazelles displayed strong control from the start. Through stellar offense and defense, they established an early lead of 23-11 in the first quarter.
Kenya struggled with shooting, making only 2 of 16 field goals under intense pressure from Uganda. Jane Asinde and Paige Robinson led Uganda's attack, scoring 17 points on 7 of 8 shooting in the opening period.
The second quarter saw equal play from both teams, though Kenya scored the final five points. A last-second three-pointer from Kenya was ruled invalid, leaving Uganda ahead 40-28 at halftime.
Uganda pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Kenya 17-9. Asinde added 8 points to reach 23 total, becoming the only player to exceed 20 points in the game.
The Gazelles maintained their advantage through the fourth quarter. Young players Modesta Anyango Maxine and Bushira Namayanja entered late in the game and made positive contributions.
Team captain Jane Asinde finished with 24 points to lead all scorers. Newcomer Paige Robinson scored 15 points in her first appearance. Shakira Nanvubya put up impressive numbers with 14 points, six rebounds, and seven assists across 37 minutes of play. Claire Lamunu and Becky Longom added nine and eight points, respectively.
The Gazelles' next game is on Tuesday, February 4, against tournament hosts Egypt, considered the favorites.
