Ben Mbala had a gallant return to Cameroon.
However, Cameroon’s upset attempt versus world no. 28 Tunisia fell short, bowing 51-55 in the 2023 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, Friday at Diamniadio, Senegal.
Mbala, a two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, led Cameroon with 12 points to go along with four rebounds and a steal.
However, the 6-foot-6 Mbala was not on the floor in the last 3:56 of the game.
Cameroon was clinging to a 51-49 lead with 1:12 left before two free throws courtesy of Achref Gannouni tied things up.
Misses from deep by Roger Moute A Bidias and Jérémy Nzeulie led to two more charities for Omar Abada for the go-ahead.
Another miss by Gedeon Pitard with 15 seconds left paved the way for the game-sealing freebies from Achref Gannouni.
With the win, Tunisia shared early leadership in Group B with South Sudan, who earlier took a 68-56 win over Rwanda.
Abada led Tunisia with 25 points.
Supporting Mbala, meanwhile, was Bidias, who got 11 points and eight rebounds.
Cameroon will next face Rwanda tonight while Tunisia and South Sudan will clash as well.
