Friday

Group F

CAR            Vs     Mali 2pm

Senegal      Vs     Rwanda 4:30pm

RWANDA senior men’s national basketball team will today evening resume their hunt for a ticket to the 2019 FIBA World Cup when they lock horns with continental powerhouse Senegal in their first game of the second round – African qualifiers.

The game gets underway at 4:30pm CAT, at the Indoor Sports Hall in Lagos.

Vladimir Bosnjak’s team face Senegal a day after playing Nigeria in a warm-up game, which they lost 77-89. Nonetheless, it was a far-improved showing compared to the performance they had recorded, against the D’Tigers, during the first round games.

In the first round (Window 1 & 2) qualifiers tournaments held in February, in Mali, and June in Lagos, Rwanda lost to Nigeria, 53-108 and 70-111, respectively.

Rwanda progressed to second round qualifiers as Group B first runners-up, behind leaders Nigeria, while Mali advanced as second runners-up from the group.

Senegal advanced as Group D leaders ahead of Central African Republic and Ivory Coast.

Looking at the team comparison during these qualifiers so far, Senegal has a shooting percentage of 50 per cent compared to Rwanda’s 39 per cent. However, Rwanda has made 38 rebounds compared to Senegal’s 34.

Rwanda has made eight steals while Senegal made six while both teams have made 14 assists.

Meanwhile, the game will be preceded by another Group F tie between Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali – starting at 2pm, same venue.

On Saturday, Rwanda will be up against Ivory Coast before wrapping up the second round, fourth window, games against CAR on Sunday.

The top two teams from groups E and F and the best third-ranked team will secure their tickets for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

After the first round results, Nigeria lead Group F with 12 points followed by Senegal with 11 points, while Central African Republic and Rwanda complete top four with nine points each.

Cote d’Ivoire and Mali are fifth and sixth respectively, with eight points apiece.

The inaugural 32-team edition of FIBA’s flagship competition will take place from August 31-September 15, 2019 in China.

READ ALSO: Bosnjak buoyant despite modest preparations for World Cup qualifiers

editorial@newtimes.co.rw