Les Hippos surged past Zetech with dominant scoring runs, relentless defence and balanced offence to claim a crucial 75–61 win, keeping their hopes of African continental qualification alive as both teams prepare for decisive matchups against powerhouse APR.
Last Updated on
November 15, 2025
The game got off to a slow start, with both clubs showing signs of early nerves, as the deadlock was broken well over a minute after the jump ball, with the next basket arriving a full minute later. Les Hippos enjoyed a narrow four-point lead as they tried to get their feet under them and establish their position in the game.
Zetech quickly found form with a 5-0 run powered by Christine Akinyi, who first scored a three-pointer and then a fast break layup. Shortly after, they took the lead when Mary Omondi scored a mid-range jump shot and then extended their lead with a three-pointer courtesy of Rachael Odhiambo. This prompted Les Hippos to call a timeout and adjust.
The sitdown proved successful, as Les Hippos came back not only to tie the game but also to take a two-point lead. There was yet another lead change when Evelyne Atieli drained a three-pointer to give Zetech a narrow but crucial one-point lead. This lead was short-lived as Shauqunna Collins made a reverse layup to give Les Hippos a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter with the score at 15-14.
Evelyne Atieli opened the second quarter by reclaiming the lead for Zetech with a fast break layup. However, the pendulum swung one more time, this time in favour of Les Hippos as they went on a 7-0 run - a result of their staunch defence and tenacious rebounding. The tides were certainly changing as the wind was now in the sails of Zetech as they went on a 5-0 run after the forced timeout.
Shauqunna Collins extended her range and sank a three-pointer to break this run. At this point, the game was still hanging in the balance, with very little to separate the two sides. Then, early signs of fatigue began to show in the Zetech sides as they became complacent and careless with the ball. They struggled to string together some passes, and Les Hippos capitalised on this as they took a commanding eleven-point lead at the half with the score at 35-24.
The break did little to stop the momentum of Les Hippos as they came out guns blazing. They were firing on all cylinders and established a 15-point lead powered by Elsa Niyonkuru, who could not place a foot wrong on the charity stripe with two successful trips and a layup. The two teams then traded baskets, with the highlight being Shauqunna Collins dropping another three-pointer.
There was then a stalemate, and the frustration led Zetech to commit fouls; meanwhile, Les Hippos maintained their lead through the random free throws, made mainly by Diedhiou Sabine. Zetech managed to lift the lid on the basket and secure a fastbreak layup, but it was Les Hippos who enjoyed a 20-point lead at the end of the quarter, 59-39.
Les Hippos were now comfortable in the driver's seat. They opened the quarter with the same confidence as Diedhiou Sabine dropped another three off an almost telepathic connection with Brittany Autry to go up 23. Despite this, they could not contain Christine Akinyi, who went on a solo 7-0 run to try to inspire Zetech to a comeback.
Despite this valiant effort, Les Hippos remained present and retaliated with baskets of their own, keeping Zetech at bay. In a last-ditch attempt, Zetech had an 8-0 run to close off the game. However, that show of character was too little too late as the game ended 75-61 in favour of Les Hippos.
Diedhiou Sabine led all scorers with 19 points, but her teammates also made positive contributions on offence, with three of them ending on double digits in scoring. Namely: Shauqunna Collins (13 points), Elsa Niyonkuru (14 points) and Bata Hamel (12 points)
With two games each left, they will both be looking to qualify for a spot in Cairo, but are aware that they will have to defeat APR, the Rwanda-based African powerhouse.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/WBLA]
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