Afrobasket qualifiers: Kenya's Lionesses pick second win

Kenya’s Lionesses bagged their second win at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers after thrashing Rwanda 69-54 at the MTN Arena Lugogo in Kampala, Uganda.

The FIBA Africa Zone 5 reigning champions started their quest to defend the title by beating host Uganda 61-53 on Wednesday.

Against Rwanda, the Kenyans got off to a good start and led 29-25 lead at the break. The Rwandans responded with a 21-19 win in the third quarter to reduce the deficit.

But Lionesses engaged a different gear in the final frame to win 21-12 and seal an impressive win.

Spain-based Mercy Wanyama stepped up with a game high of 16 points and nine rebounds while Portugal-based Victoria Reynolds had 15 points with seven rebounds and four assists.

Lionesses’ captain and shooting guard Mellisa Akinyi Otieno who trades with Equity Hawks had 12 points for Kenya with two assists and two rebounds.

On their part, Odile Tetero, Diamond Richardson and Martine Umuhoza had combined 37 points for Rwanda's side.

The Lionesses will be facing South Sudan today at 7:30 PM while Rwanda will be meeting Egypt at 5PM in the competition being played in round robin format.

In another match played on Thursday Uganda hammered South Sudan 74-53.

The games started on Tuesday and will end on tomorrow 18th February.