The Rwanda National Basketball Team suffered a 73-96 defeat to Senegal in the opening game of the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers (Window 3) in Rabat, Morocco.
Rabat, February 21—Rwanda began their AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers campaign with yet another setback, falling to a dominant Senegalese side.
Missing Center Salim Noah Bigirumwami, Rwanda struggled to contain Senegal’s big men in the paint, ultimately losing a battle that meant a lot for the Lions of Teranga.
The first quarter ended in a 13-13 tie, but Senegal seized control in the second, outscoring Rwanda 35-14 to take a commanding 48-27 lead at halftime.
Rwanda fought back in the third, winning 23-20, but Senegal sealed a 96-73 victory with a dominant 28-23 fourth quarter, securing their AfroBasket 2025 spot.
Senegalese guard J. Boissy, who plays in Rwanda’s league, led all scorers with 19 points, while Rwanda’s William Robeyns contributed 18, making 5 of 7 three-pointers.
Dr. Cheikh Sarr’s team was outmatched, shooting 31.4% to Senegal’s 45%. The Lions controlled the boards (58-41), converting 22 second-chance points to Rwanda’s 3. Additionally, Senegal outscored Rwanda 40-10 in the paint.
Rwanda’s bench contributed 23 points, but Senegal’s reserves outmatched them with 58.
The teams return to action tomorrow, February 22, at Salle Ibn Yassine. Rwanda will face Cameroon, while Senegal takes on Gabon.
