Silverbacks off to flying start in Afrobasket qualifiers with win over Cape Verde

The Uganda national basketball team, the Silverbacks, made a resounding statement in their opening game of the Afrobasket final qualification window, defeating group B leaders Cape Verde 63-60 at the Grand Hall in Libya.

The team’s determination to secure a win was evident from the outset, as they dominated the first quarter 22-12.

Cape Verde regrouped and returned stronger on defense in the second quarter, holding Uganda scoreless for nearly five minutes.

However, the Silverbacks still managed to maintain a 28-24 lead at halftime, courtesy of their 6-point scoring spree.

The third quarter witnessed a scoring frenzy, with Cape Verde narrowing the deficit by a single point, leaving the score at 50-47 heading into the final quarter.

The Silverbacks’ victory was spearheaded by the impressive performances of Robinson Opongo and Ishmail Wainright, who contributed 22 and 16 points, respectively.

Uganda’s win sets them up for a crucial encounter against Nigeria tomorrow, a team they defeated in the reverse fixture during the February qualification window.