African Women's Basketball League Game Recap: University of Douala vs REG

REG Clinch First Semi-Finals Spot Outscoring UDLA

The featured matchup marked the initiation of the day's quarter-final games, with both teams fully aware that defeat would mean elimination from the tournament. The stakes were high, and neither side was willing to take any chances, resulting in a fiercely contested battle between the University of Douala and Rwanda Energy Group (REG).

As the first half commenced, both teams swiftly accumulated double-digit scores, resulting in an early 12-all tie game. The competitive nature of the game was evident from the outset, setting the stage for an engaging and closely contested matchup.

Tiffany Mitchell emerged as a standout player, leading the scoring with a 15-21 advantage over the University of Douala going into the final two minutes of the first quarter. Her dynamic performance played a crucial role in shaping the early momentum of the game.

Destiny Philoxy led the charge into double digits, forming a formidable trio with Tiffany Mitchell and Nia Clouden. Meanwhile, the University of Douala struggled, plagued by turnovers and lax defense. By the midway point of the second quarter, REG established a commanding 21-point lead, fueled by a stellar performance.

The Rwandan side dominated from beyond the arc, raining threes. Despite the University of Douala's efforts, the ruthless first half concluded with a score of 21-51, giving REG a substantial 30-point lead.

The University of Douala emerged from the halftime break with renewed vigor, launching into the second half with increased aggression. This approach paid off as they managed to force REG into conceding their 12th turnover, and they successfully connected on a couple of three-point shots. Despite the University of Douala's efforts, REG maintained their composure and continued to respond, with Tiffany Mitchell showcasing an unstoppable performance, accumulating 21 points by the end of the third period.

Undeterred by the widening gap, the University of Douala persisted in their efforts to stem the tide, with Amayaba emerging as the sole player to reach double digits with less than a minute remaining in the game. However, the deficit proved insurmountable, leaving them with no opportunity to catch up with REG, who solidified their dominance by matching the game's most significant lead, concluding with a scoreline of 54-85.

Rwanda Energy Group (REG) secured the inaugural ticket to the semi-finals on the strength of a stellar performance by Nia Clouden, who contributed 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds, along with Tiffany Mitchell, who added two points and nine rebounds to the remarkable display.

Despite the defeat, Team Douala achieved its objectives. Coach Ngoug, however, emphasised that it's not the end, proposing solutions for enhancing Team Douala's performance in future competitions.

Two possible solution, augment the levels of teams in our championship to have a championship with teams having a high level of experience secondly we have to behave like other team to recruit players from the WNBA, European championships. We did not come here to win but to bring our girls to discover this level of competition because we are certain that in two or three years, we will be able to have a better team and better players.