Uganda’s preparation for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket was far from ideal. From ilegibility issues to one of the dependeable players opting out at last minute, it was always going to be a difficult tournament for the Silverbacks.
And when the first jumpball went up at Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda, Uganda had just five players on the bench.
Senegal ran to a 30-point first quarter and the it was clear George Galanopoulos’ charges who responded with 18 were in for a tough afternoon.
The Silverbacks cleaned up defensively in the second and third quarter but the production at the offensive end was far from desirable. It was a poor shooting stretch sprinkled with turnovers, some unforced.
While John Deng Geu, one of the longest serving players on the roster, shone offensively with an efficient team-high 17 points and Naseef Lubowa, making his debut for the Silverbacks, lively, Jacksen Moni had a shooting slump going 4-for-16 from the floor.
Jonathan Komagum had a lone battle in the paint against against Gora Camara and Moustapha Dialo. Komagum pulled down a game high 14 rebounds to go with 8 points.
The fourth quarter belonged to Senegal who were led by 2025 Baskeball Africa League MVP Jean-Jaques Boissy off the bench and Makthar Gueye who netted 16 points each.
The Silverbacks return to action on Thursday to take on Mali at 4:30pm (EAT).
Related
Any questions related to Senegal leave short-handed Silverbacks for dead?