2005 African Basketball Championship

[TonyStarks]

Algeria defeated Tunisia 84-72 to improve to 2-0 at the African Cup.

[TonyStarks]

Algeria continued its unbeaten run at the 2005 African Cup by beating Ivory Coast 71-58. Algeria was lead by a balanced attack from Sayah (14 points), Bouziane (10 points), Atamna (9 points), Benramdane (9 points) and Djilllai (8 points). The win brings Algeria's record to 3-0 at the tournament. The team will face Nigeria next, another team who is undefeated, and will close out the group stage against Mali, who have yet to win a game. Standings after 3 games:

Group A

1. Algeria 3-0
1. Nigeria 3-0
3. Ivory Coast 1-2
3. Gabon 1-2
3. Tunisia 1-2
6. Mali 0-3

[TonyStarks]

Algeria improved its record to 4-0 at the African Basketball Championships by defeating rivals Nigeria 73-72. The two teams, who came in undefeated, were close the whole way, before Algeria managed to take advantage in the end. Algeria was lead by Bouziane and Sayah who both had 14 points and 3 rebounds. Benramdane also had 11 points along with 3 assists. Atamna added 10 points. Nigeria was lead by 18 points from Muoneke. Both teams will play one last game before the quarter-finals with Algeria facing Mali and Nigeria taking on Gabon. Standings (after 4 games):

1. Algeria 4-0
2. Nigeria 3-1
3. Tunisia 2-2
4. Gabon 1-3
5. Mali 1-3
6. Ivory Coast 1-3

[TonyStarks]

For Algeria's final group game the coach decided to give the reserve players some time, and it definately showed as Mali defeated the hosts 83-66. Algeria, who were already assured of a first place finish before the match started, rested a number of their key players such as Ali Bouziane, Mourad Boughedir and Sofiane Boulaya. Sayah lead the way for the Algerian team with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Atamna had a solid outing as well with 12 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Canon and Oukid added 11 and 10 points respectively. Group standings:

1. Algeria 4-1
2. Nigeria 4-1
3. Tunisia 2-3
3. Ivory Coast 2-3
3. Mali 2-3
6. Gabon 1-4

For the quarter-finals, Algeria will face its neighbor Morocco. The two teams have played each other 3 times this year already with Algeria winning twice and Morocco winning once. The top 3 teams in the tournament advance to the World Championships which will be held next year in Tokyo, Japan.

[TonyStarks]

Quarter-Final Results

Nigeria 63-51 Central African Republic
Senegal 72-67 Tunisia
Angola 67-50 Mali
Algeria 36-33 Morocco (halftime)

Semi-Finals

Nigeria vs Angola
Senegal vs Algeria/Morocco

[TonyStarks]

To listen live to the game (crazy supporters in the stadium, they're going nuts!):

mms://193.194.64.116/chaine3

[TonyStarks]

Algeria advanced to the semi-finals of the African Basketball CHampionships with a 15 point win over neighbors Morocco. Algeria was lead by Canon Djillali who had 31 points and 4 rebounds. Sayah also put up 17 points and Atamna had 15. Algeria will face Senegal tomorrow in the semi-final, with the winner earning a spot in next year's World Cup.