The Ugandan girls’ basketball team got off to a disappointing start at the ISF World Schools Basketball Championship, losing to Chinese Taipei 43-69.
Abigail Mpoza Lucy was a bright spot for Uganda, showcasing her skills in defense and transition play. Despite her efforts, the team struggled to keep pace with their opponents.
The match seemed to slip away from Uganda’s grasp from the outset, with Chinese Taipei dominating all four quarters. The final whistle blew with the scoreboard reading 43-69 in favor of the Taiwanese team.
Coach Jonathan Egau attributed the loss to his team’s respect for their opponents and poor game management. “The girls panicked and failed to handle the speedy and accurate Chinese Taipei team,” he said. “We could have closed the gap, but poor game management and concentration held us back.”
Despite the setback, Coach Egau remains optimistic about his team’s chances in the tournament. “We will work on improving our defense, shooting, and game management,” he said. “We still have a chance to advance to the next level, and we’re determined to grab it.”
The Ugandan team, the only African representative in Group C, will face China 2 on Thursday, June 27th, at 11:45 local time (6:45 AM EAT). With a renewed focus on strategy and teamwork, they hope to bounce back from this initial loss and make a stronger showing in the tournament.
The team’s next match against China 2 promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Uganda seeking redemption and China 2 looking to maintain their momentum.
The ISF World Schools Basketball Championship continues to showcase the talents of young basketball players from around the world, with Uganda’s team determined to make their mark on the competition.