Uganda Stuns Senegal 73–70 in Overtime Thriller at 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Group Clash

Uganda Stuns Senegal 73–70 in Overtime Thriller at 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Group Clash

Senegal got off to a roaring start, opening the game with a 9–0 run. Uganda, however, responded immediately with their own 8–0 burst, showing grit and composure. Despite the early pressure, Uganda took control in the closing minute of the first quarter, capitalizing on a Senegalese defensive lapse to lead 17–16 at the end of the quarter.

Claire Lamunu, Jane Asinde, Paige Robinson, and Jamila Nansikombi powered Uganda's second-quarter dominance. Nansikombi knocked down a crucial three, while Robinson and Lamunu provided scoring and energy. Uganda's lead ballooned to 35–21 as Senegal struggled to regroup, and despite some frustrating officiating, the Gazelles held firm to maintain a lead well into the third.

Senegal, led by Cierra Dillard and Yacine Diop, began to chip away at the deficit in the third quarter. They cut Uganda's lead to just two points by the 6:22 mark and continued to turn the screws. With under three minutes to play in the period, Senegal reclaimed the lead at 45–43 and stretched it to 49–43 with just over 90 seconds remaining.

Uganda appeared to lose momentum entering the fourth, but with 1:32 left in regulation, Robinson stepped up and buried a cold-blooded three-pointer to tie the game at 61–61. Senegal called a timeout to regroup and drew up a final play, but Dillard's go-ahead jumper missed, sending the game to overtime.

The extra period turned into a thrilling shootout. Both teams traded baskets until Robinson and Melissa Akullu hit back-to-back shots—Robinson's a dagger three—that gave Uganda a narrow 70–66 lead. Senegal continued to push but was unable to regain control.

With 1:29 left, Uganda remained composed despite the pressure. Asinde and Perus Nyamwenge sank key free throws to stretch the lead to 73–68. Then, with six seconds left, Dillard was fouled while attempting a three-pointer. She hit two of three, trimming the deficit to 73–70.

Uganda nearly gave the game away after Asinde turned the ball over to Dillard on the inbound. But the Senegal star couldn't capitalize, missing the game-tying shot from beyond the arc as time expired.
Post-game, Robinson reflected on the rollercoaster contest.

"We just had to stay patient throughout the game. [Senegal's] pressure is unreal, and we just had to settle into our game," she said. "We knew what to expect coming, but we got a little bit nervous at the beginning of the game, but we stuck together."

The win places Uganda at the top of their group with a 2–0 record and secures a quarterfinal berth. For Senegal, now 0–2, qualification hopes hinge on the final round of group games.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]