It’s no surprise that Angola is in the finals of Afrobasket, the African nation has been dominating the African Championships the last decade, winning nine of the last ten tournaments.

The shocking news is that Nigeria and Senegal won’t be in the top three, and that the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) will take on the Angolans in the finals; heading to the World Championships of Basketball for the first time since 1986.

Tournament darlings Tunisia could also punch their ticket to the WBC, which would be their first ever, if they are able to defeat Cameroon in tomorrow’s third-place game.

It’ll be tough for Tunisia, who have won their three last games by a total of just four points, which included a narrow 68-66 win over Cameroon in the round of eight.  No doubt, Cameroon will come out looking to avenge their loss and salvage a disappointing showing in the 2009 Afrobasket.

Quick Starts, Slow Finish
Nigeria and Senegal came out of the gate strong, both accumulated 3-0 records in the preliminary rounds, but would falter when it mattered most.

Senegal’s problem started when they lost Babacar Cissé, their key playmaker, for a couple games.  And even when Cissé returned, they couldn’t recover their momentum; losing four of their next five games.

Nigeria would actually win their first five games, but would misstep twice in matchups with Angola and Cameroon.  Even though Nigeria was unbeaten through their first five games, their two timely losses has them fighting for fifth place. Nigeria (6-2) will play the Central African Republic, who finished with an even 4-4 record.

In the last ten Afrobaskets, Angola, Senegal, Egypt, and Nigeria have dominated the medal cermonies.

Angola has medaled all ten tournaments with nine golds and one bronze. Senegal and Egypt has medaled six times; Senegal has one gold (1997), three silvers, and two bronze medals, while Egypt collect two silvers and four bronzes n that same span.

Nigeria has placed in either second or third place five times in the last ten Afrobaskets – gathering three silvers and two bronzes.  This will be only the second time in twenty years that either Egypt, Nigeria or Senegal do not medal.