Machanguana, Mozambique foiled in Olympics bid

Clarisse Machanguana turned in another strong performance (15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals) and got solid support from her teammates, but it wasn't quite enough in a 71-65 loss to South Korea Tuesday that ended Mozambique's stay in the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women. The loss dropped Mozambique to 0-2 and third place in its three-team tournament pool; the top two teams advance to the quarterfinals. Mozambique lost its opening game to Croatia 84-62 despite 23 points and 13 rebounds from Machanguana.

Still, the event was far from a total loss for Machanguana, the 38-year-old former Old Dominion star who in this post-game interview expressed hope that the experience would yield long-term dividends for the otherwise youthful Mozambique squad.