Lockdown third quarter propels Senegal past Madagascar into U18 AfroBasket semi-finals

With so much at stake and the nerves setting in, the game got off to a very slow start with both teams failing to break the deadlock for the first two minutes. I was Pape Diallo who broke the deadlock on the free throw line with a perfect trip . This prompted a 10-0 run for Senegal. They took control of a game that was at a stalemate not long before.

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The Malagasy side opend scoring after five minutes. Though late, they would not be denied as they had a quick 7-0 run to bring the game back to within one possession. However, Senegal was creative in finding pockets of opportunity to keep them at bay. Senegal went on to close the quarter with the score at 15-9. Codé Mbengue managed to score six points despite a low-scoring game for both sides.

Senegal was hot out the blocks in the second quarter when Bacary Doucoure scored an early lay up to ensure that they would not start this quarter the same way they started the first. This prompted another 8-0 run from Senegal who were now up 14 points with just under seven minutes to go. Abdoul Hanaffi then put an end to the Malagasy dry spell when he knocked down a three-pointer. This shot restored hope that was once lost.

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Not only did the Malagasy find some hope offensively but they also upped the ante defensively with some good switches, hedges and overall aggressive approach to ensure that Senegal does not get any easy or open looks. This approach paid of as Senegal was unable to score a single point for over six minutes remaining in the quarter. Despite this, the Malagasy defense could not be translated on offense in the same manner as they trailed 23-21 at the end of the quarter.

The third quarter was all dependent on one question, will Madagascar continue with their momentum or will Senegal just turn the game around? Senegal came out guns blazing with a an early 11-0 run. During this run, they focused on transition baskets. Frederic Mane dazzled the crowd with a three-pointer that was followed up with a beautiful reverse lay up.

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Senegal played suffocating defense and limited Madagascar to only four points all quarter. All of which came from the free throw line. This was evidence of Senegal's defensive superiority. This defensive performance was led by Codé Mbengue who ended the game with five steals and five blocks. Senegal gave themselves a 14-point cushion and led 41-25 at the end of the quarter.

Madagascar threw everything they had at Senegal in the fourth quarter. They started the quarter with a three-pointer by Harinosy Rasetriarivony. This was followed up with a wing shot by Tsiory Rakotofazy after a Senegalese turnover. This prompted a Senegalese timeout. A much needed timeout that bore fruit immediately. Pape Diallo scored a lay up then Codé Mbengue followed that up with a dunk to restore the balance.

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However, Harisony Rasetriarivony drained another three-pointer for Madagascar. Both sides continued to trade baskets for what remained of the game with nothing to separate them. In a last ditched effort, Harisony Rasetriarivony scored a lay up to bring the game to withing nine points with a little over a minute left in the game. This was short-lived as Bara Danfakha scored a three-pointer to restore a double-digit lead for Senegal.

Senegal went on to win 54-40 after a convincing defensive output. Though  Codé Mbengue, already had a great game, he beat the buzzer with an alley oop dunk at the end of the game to add to his already impressive stat line. He recorded an impressive 19 points, 12 rebounds, five steals, five blocks and an impressive 37 efficiency. They now set their eyes on the semi-final matchup. Though it is the end of the road for Madagascar, they can rest assured that Harisony Rasetriarivony is another young Malagasy who will be key in the future of their basketball after he recorded 15 points, nine rebounds and three steals.

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[Photography and Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]