KIGALI, Rwanda – The impact of Vanguard women's basketball extended far and wide on Saturday as Melissa Akullu and Claire Lamunu helped their native Uganda upset Senegal at the FIBA 2023 AfroBasket tournament.

The two Lions played significant roles in the 85-83 nail biter, as Uganda knocked off the 11-time FIBA AfroBasket champions. Despite having the most experienced roster in the tournament, Senegal could not pull through during the Group C showdown at BK Arena.

Akullu and Lamunu – both Players of the Year in the Golden State Athletic Conference – did their part to propel their country to victory. 

Akullu finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot in 26 minutes of action. She made 3-of-8 floor shots to help Senegal improve to 1-1 in group play, with an opportunity at the top spot of the pool. 

In two seasons at Vanguard, Akullu has amassed 882 points and 567 rebounds, averaging 18.0 points and 11.6 rebounds during her two seasons in Costa Mesa. She earned NAIA First Team All-American honors in 2022-23 after posting 17.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

Lamunu also earned NAIA First Team All-American accolades as a senior during the 2016-17 season. She was named the WBCA NAIA National Player of the Year after leading the nation in offensive rebounds, total scoring and total rebounds. 

Against Senegal, Lamunu notched nine points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists and two steals in a solid all-around performance. She hit 4 of 10 from the field in her 23 minutes of action.

Uganda continues the FIBA AfroBasket tournament against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Tuesday.