Madagascar still looking for the first victory at Afrobasket

Aleia Rachide

Madagascar - Mozambique 49:83
Madagascan team suffered two massive losses at the start of the 2007 Afrobasket in Senegal. They entered the tournament as underdogs and consider the competition as merely gaining necessary international experience. So the stakes were not flying high and the first game proved that many things need to be worked on. Mozambique dominated the game and spurred to a 23:11 lead after the first frame. However Madagascan team played some tight defense in the second quarter but still lacked accuracy on offensive end. Madagascar remained competitive after the break and managed to play a tie game in the third stanza 17:17. But finally Mozambique overwhelmed their opponents. Madagascan players run out of steam in the fourth term and allowed their counterparts to score 35 points answering with just 15.
Carla Da Silva led Mozambique with 17 points. Aleia Rachide (184-F-85) and Nica Gemo (196-C-82, college: San Jose St.) netted 10 points apiece for the winners. Lydia Raoanirina topscored for Madagascar with 14 points. Ange Rasoambolanro produced 11 points in a losing effort.

Madagascar - Mali 47:108
Madagascar continued their losing skid in the second round of action. They faced one of the best teams so far at the tournament Mali and were hardly beaten for the second loss in a row. Madagascar stayed at the bottom of the ladder in Group A. They have a chance to improve their record today as they take on Tunisia.