After three losses in a row, Ivory Coast basketball men team recovered from their slumber over the weekend by defeating continental giants Senegal 54-52 at the Saint Sauveur sports palace in Lille, France.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast had faced preparation constraints due to the post-election conflict that rocked the nation for five months, resulting to the relocation of the 2011 Afrobasket from Abidjan to Madagascar.

However, the team is getting back on its feet with less than two weeks to the 2011 FIBA Africa Championship or Afrobasket, after the sports ministry renewed the team's budget and provided means for its preparations.

Senegal led the Ivorians 13-16 in the first quarter but parity was restored after the Elephants imposed a 13-10 score in the second quarter.

The Ivorians continued to dominate, winning the third quarter 42-41, thanks to shooter Konaté Stéphane, who was the game's MVP with 13 points.

Guy Landry, Ivorian sensation of the 2010 FIBA World Cup, totaled 11 points in the fourth quarter to help Ivory Coast seal victory at 54-52.

Ivory Coast are matched up in Group C against South Africa, Cameroon and Egypt, while Senegal are paired in Group B against defending champions Angola, Chad and Morocco.

The 2011 Afrobasket kicks off August 17 through 28. Sixteen teams from 53 federations will be participating.