FIBA : Mozambique cruise to victory against Zambia
A Mozambique squad powered by dynamic duo Pio Matos and Ismael Nurmamade easily clinched their first victory on Wednesday in the FIBA AfroCan Zone Zone 6 Qualifiers in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
After a shocking defeat to hosts Zimbabwe, Mozambique bounced back in style beating Zambia 86-46.
Knowing that they had their destiny in their hands, Mozambique took control of the game from the tip-off, forcing their opponent to watch from afar as they cruised to 16-point (28-12) advantage by the end of the first quarter.
When they reached half-time, they had a 20-point margin, outscoring Zambia 17-13 in the second quarter. Determined not to let things slip out of control, Mozambique kept on bombarding their opponent in the third quarter to reach a 70-36 lead.
The fourth quarter was but a mere formality as Mozambique once again outscored Zambia, who gave their best, but trailed behind 16-10.
Macome Milagre’s team capitalised from their shots from behind the arc, making 11 out of their 17 attempts, with Matos and Nurmamade scoring four times each. The latter did a bit of everything to help his side clinch a most precious win, scoring 23 points, grabbing four rebounds, delivering 3 assists and adding 1 steal to his figures, all this with 29:52 on the court.
Matos on his part contributed 20 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and as many steals to his team’s figures.
Zambia, on their side, did not have anyone in the double digits. Gosa Isaac Hamudulu and Douglas Kandulu were the top scorers with 8 points each, while grabbing 2 rebounds, delivering two assists and 1 steal each.
Today’s win has given Mozambique the lead in Group A, as they wait for their next game. They will watch Zimbabwe and Zambia clash.