#FIBAOQT Manila Roundup Day 3

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*These first appeared on FIBA.com.

France turn the tables on New Zealand

For three whole periods, France seemed but shells of their true selves, but they finally righted the ship in the fourth quarter to defeat New Zealand, 66-59, on the third day of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.

Turning Point: New Zealand seemed to gain full control after a Corey Webster basket gave them a 50-38 lead early in the fourth quarter, but France had other plans. Les Bleus uncorked a searing 22-2 blast that obliterated the Tall Blacks’ lead and permanently swung the momentum in the French’s favor. By the time New Zealand scored again, France was in control, 60-54.

#FIBAOQT Manila Roundup Day 2

(Image from FIBA)

*These first appeared on FIBA.com.


New Zealand break Philippine hearts

New Zealand withstood every rally that Philippines mounted and came out victorious, 89-80, on the second day of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila. The Tall Blacks led nearly wire to wire and eliminated Gilas Pilipinas from Olympic contention.

Turning Point: The hosts managed to trim what once was a 13-point deficit to just a solitary point, 60-59, early in the fourth quarter, but that’s when New Zealand, behind the efforts of Tom Abercrombie, Isaac Fotu and the Webster brothers conspired to deliver a big finishing kick. The Kiwis outscored the Filipinos, 29-21 the rest of the way to notch their first win of the OQT.

#FIBAOQT Preview: CANADA vs SENEGAL

This is their first meeting at the world level since 1998 World Championship (CAN won, 70-57). Canada has a lot of momentum after beating higher ranked Turkey, and they have their sights set on one clear target - sweeping Group A and going to the semifinals as the top seed. Senegal, on the other hand, is hoping to open their account on a good note, but the absence of some key players (Gorgui Dieng and Xane D’Almeida) may prove to be the difference-maker in this match.

#FIBAOQT: Senegal finalize roster for Manila OQT

(Image from FIBA)

*This first appeared on FIBA.com.

Senegal on Tuesday finalised the 12-player roster for next week's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Manila. 

With Youssou Ndoye and Moussa Camara both cut, the pair of Thierno Ibrahima Niang and Louis Adams - the only two home-based players - have joined a line-up that includes Senegalese players coming from as far and wide as Poland and Israel. 

Senegal 12-player final roster for 2016 FIBA OQT in Manilla
Louis Adams	Serigne Bamba Gueye	Clevin Hannah	Cheikh Tidiane Mbodj
Antoine Mendy	El Hadji Malick Ndiaye	Hamady Ndiaye	Maurice Ndour
Abdoulaye Ndoye	Maleye Ndoye	Thierno Ibrahima Niang	Ibrahima Thomas

While Gorgui Dieng elected to withdraw from the team, Maleye Ndoye is set to extend his long national team career which began over a decade ago at the 2003 FIBA African Championship.

2016 Manila #FIBAOQT Scouting Report: The Lions of Senegal

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The 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) that will be held here in Manila is just around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to get a better of feel of each of the teams taking part and playing for one of three remaining wild card tickets to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In this part, let’s focus on the Lions of Senegal.

#FIBAOQT: Senegal lose Dieng for OQT, new recruit Hannah ready to help

(Image from FIBA)

*This first appeared on FIBA.com.

The Senegal Basketball Federation (FSBB) on Wednesday confirmed the withdrawal of Gorgui Dieng from the preliminary squad for next month's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Manila and in the process introduced new recruit Clevin Hannah and new head coach Porfirio Fisac.

According to the Agence de Presse Senegalaise citing an FSBB source, Dieng elected to withdraw his name from the list of eligible players for the OQT, but should be with the team although he will not take part in the tournament.

Senegal have been drawn in the Manila OQT Group A along with Canada and Turkey. From 5-10 July, Fisac's side will compete in the six-team tournament for the only place on offer for the Rio Olympics.