Senegal Dominate: Huge Win Over Rwanda, But Free Throws Need Fixing ASAP!

Senegal Dominate: Huge Win Over Rwanda, But Free Throws Need Fixing ASAP!

Senegal once again proved why they are one of Africa’s premier basketball nations, delivering a dominant 96-75 victory over Rwanda in their Group C clash of the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Qualifiers. With a lethal combination of three-point shooting, rebounding dominance, and team-oriented play, Senegal left no doubt about their aspirations for AfroBasket success.

The game began as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their offensive rhythm in the first quarter. The score was locked at 13-13 after ten minutes, but what followed was a second-quarter explosion from Senegal that all but sealed the game before halftime. Senegal torched Rwanda with one of the most impressive offensive quarters of the tournament so far, pouring in 35 points while holding Rwanda to just 14. By halftime, Senegal had built a commanding 48-30 lead, showcasing their ability to turn up the intensity when needed.

However, Senegal’s third-quarter performance left much to be desired. Complacency crept in, allowing Rwanda to claw back into the game by outscoring Senegal 23-20 in the period. While the gap remained significant, the sluggish play out of the break was a concern, especially with a high-stakes matchup against Cameroon looming on Sunday. Against a team of Cameroon’s caliber, Senegal cannot afford such lapses, as the Indomitable Lions are more than capable of punishing any complacency.

Senegal head coach Mamadou Gueye clearly sent a strong message to his squad before the fourth quarter, as they responded with a professional, business-like approach to close out the game. A 28-point final period ensured no late surprises as Senegal sealed their dominant win.

One of the most impressive aspects of Senegal’s performance was their rebounding dominance. They completely outmuscled Rwanda on the glass, securing a staggering 58 rebounds compared to Rwanda’s 41. This advantage translated into 22 second-chance points, giving Senegal multiple opportunities to extend their lead. Additionally, their ability to run in transition was on full display, scoring 25 fast-break points.

Senegal’s backcourt was particularly impressive, with Jean-Jacques Boissy leading the charge. The dynamic guard was instrumental in orchestrating the offense, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Babacar Sané also played a crucial role, contributing 17 points, three rebounds, and two steals, while Youssou Ndoye dominated inside with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.

To their credit, Rwanda showed resilience despite being overwhelmed in key areas. They shot a respectable 33.3% from three-point range and were excellent from the free-throw line, converting 84.2% of their attempts. However, their struggles inside the arc (just 29% on two-point shots) and a lack of scoring inside (only 10 points in the paint) made it nearly impossible to keep pace with Senegal.

Despite their dominant showing, one glaring weakness for Senegal was their free-throw shooting. A dismal 47.4% from the line—one of the worst performances in the tournament so far—raises serious concerns. Against Rwanda, their superior talent and execution masked this flaw, but this inefficiency at the stripe will not be enough against Cameroon on Sunday. If Senegal hopes to continue winning, they must clean up their free-throw shooting, as missed opportunities at the line could be the difference in a much tighter contest.

Senegal’s performance in these AfroBasket Qualifiers has been impressive, further solidifying its reputation as one of Africa’s basketball powerhouses. Their fans back home have every reason to be proud of how the team plays, and expectations remain high as they prepare for their next challenge.

Sunday’s showdown with Cameroon promises to be a spectacle, potentially the best game of the entire Qualifiers. With both teams boasting immense talent and aspirations of AfroBasket glory, Senegal will need to bring their A-game, avoid third-quarter lapses, and—most importantly—knock down their free throws if they want to emerge victorious.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]