RADES (AfroBasket 2015) - The Central African Republic (CAF) almost caused a massive upset in Tuesday's AfroBasket 2015 Round of 16 against Angola, but the defending champions prevailed in the last seconds to secure a 62-61 victory.
Angola's Yanick Moreira, who finished with team-highs of 16 points and 7 rebounds, hit a hook shot to give his team the lead with 4.7 seconds remaining, and CAF were unable to respond.
After conceding a heartbreaking defeat to Senegal on Monday, the Angolans stepped onto the floor prepared to get over the upset and move on in the competition. But for some reason, they struggled throughout to get away from a very combative CAF side.
Angola's Yanick Moreira, who finished with team-highs of 16 points and 7 rebounds, hit a hook shot to give his team the lead with 4.7 seconds remaining, and CAF were unable to respond.
After conceding a heartbreaking defeat to Senegal on Monday, the Angolans stepped onto the floor prepared to get over the upset and move on in the competition. But for some reason, they struggled throughout to get away from a very combative CAF side.
Even though CAF made at times questionable decisions, the Angolans could not slow down Max Kouguere, who led all scorers with 23 points.
The win saw Angola improve to 3-1 in the tournament and set up a Quarter-Final against Egypt, who have won all their four games.
Turning Point: Moreira's go-ahead basket in the dying seconds denied CAF what would have been a memorable upset.
Stats Don't Lie: Angola not only out-rebounded CAF 41-30, but they also moved the ball better with 13 assists against CAF's 6.
Game Hero: Moreira saved Angola from an imminent elimination.
The Bottom Line: Although Angola have advanced to the Quarter-Finals, they have yet to display the competitiveness level that ought to make them a championship contender. CAF relied too much on Kouguere's individual plays and that cost them a legitimate chance to reach the Last Eight.
The win saw Angola improve to 3-1 in the tournament and set up a Quarter-Final against Egypt, who have won all their four games.
Turning Point: Moreira's go-ahead basket in the dying seconds denied CAF what would have been a memorable upset.
Stats Don't Lie: Angola not only out-rebounded CAF 41-30, but they also moved the ball better with 13 assists against CAF's 6.
Game Hero: Moreira saved Angola from an imminent elimination.
The Bottom Line: Although Angola have advanced to the Quarter-Finals, they have yet to display the competitiveness level that ought to make them a championship contender. CAF relied too much on Kouguere's individual plays and that cost them a legitimate chance to reach the Last Eight.
By: FIBA.com
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