Reigning champions D’Tigress have reached the final of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket 2019 after beating Mali 79-58 in a tough semi-final at the Dakar Arena on Friday.
The D’Tigress won all four quarters 25-12, 17-16, 17-12 and 20-18 to advance to back to back final of the Afrobasket Championship.
Ezinne Kalu lead the way with 19 point and 5 assists, 2 rebounds and 1 steal to go with it. Kalu also made 50% from the deep, 5/10 in the game while adding 2 of 3 from the line in 30 minutes.
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Top performer of the game, Evelyn Akhator scored her second double-double of the competition hitting 12 points and 13 rebounds with 1 assist and 1 steal in 27 minutes.
Other players on double figures include Adaora Elonu 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Ify Ibekwe had 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals while Atonye Nyingifa added 10 points and 2 assists including 3/4 from the deep.
Three players finished on double figures for Mali, Mariam Alou Coulibaly recorded a double-double 12 points and 10 rebounds but it wasn’t enough to get her team past the reigning champions.
Meiya Tirera had 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal while Djeneba N’Diaye scored 11 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.
The D’Tigress are unbeaten in 12 games at the FIBA Afrobasket Women dating back from the 2017 edition in Bamako, Mali.
Nigeria will face the winner between Senegal and Mozambique in the final on Sunday at the Dakar Arena.
Image: Fiba.com
