3X3 World Cup Qualifiers: End Of The Road For Uganda

Sunday, May 5
Uganda 12-14 Brazil (after overtime)

Uganda’s world cup dream was ended by Brazil after a quarter final 12-14 defeat at Hiram Bithorn in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Despite putting up a good display by the whole squad of Claire Lamunu, Jamila Nansikombi, Rita Imanishimwe and Sarah Ageno, the Gazelles failed to find the cutting edge before falling to Brazil in overtime.

Uganda had looked a better side from the start but failed to create a big gap as Brazil kept coming back before a couple of failed layups including Imanishimwe’s that could have given Uganda an edge before the game was taken to overtime at 12-12 where the South American side benefited from making two of their free throws to win the game.

Lamunu against Brazil. FIBA

Earlier in the day, Uganda had beaten up on hosts Puerto Rico 13-9, their last group game, to finish second of pool A – Uganda had lost to Australia before bouncing back to beat Estonia on Saturday.

Imanishimwe was probably Uganda’s player at the tournament with 17 points, Lamunu and Zama had 12 each while UCU’s Sarah Ageno managed 7 points in total.

Sarah Ageno up against the hosts Puerto Rico. FIBA
Imanishimwe going for a shot. FIBA

Uganda, ranked 21st in the world (3X3 Women Basketball), will miss world cup despite making two appearances out of the last five editions.

The Qualified teams:
Uganda’s target was to finish among the top three teams in order to earn a ticket go the 2019 FIBA 3X3 World Cup which is due to take place from June 18-23 in Netherlands.

Zama (9). FIBA

In the semis, Australia beat Brazil 21-3 while Spain edged New Zealand 16-14, with the semis winner (Australia and Spain reaching the World cup).

Brazil lost 5-11 to New Zealand in the losers match, for New Zealand to join Spain and Australia as the three countries that occupied the remaining slots.

In the men’s category, Puerto Rico, France and Australia grabbed the last three tickets.

Gazelles (white) in action against Puerto Rico

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