Madagascar's Club Omnisport de la Police Nationale (COSPN) opened their Road to BAL 2027 campaign with a 69-93 defeat to Burundi's Urunani BBC in Group D of the Eastern Division at Hoima City Arena in Uganda.
The Malagasy side, reigning Madagascar champions and featuring centre Jorge Filipe and guard Ikenna Okeke, struggled from the tip-off against Urunani's defensive pressure and fast transitions. Trailing 21-56 at half-time, COSPN faced a 35-point deficit they never recovered from.
Urunani were led by Mahamane Coulibaly with 21 points, Chingka Garba with 18, and Jeffery Tyrone Stubbs, who added 17 points and eight assists.
COSPN responded after the break, winning the third quarter 22-13 and the fourth 26-24, but the first-half margin proved insurmountable.
Coach Tojo Hery Rasamoelina's side will look to bounce back on Thursday against Uganda's Namuwongo Blazers, whose playing style is described as similar to Urunani's.
