By: Brian Kawalya
National Basketball League
Magic Stormers 72-50 KIU Rangers
KIU Rangers lost 50-72 to Magic Stormers in an intense Women National Basketball league encounter on Wednesday evening at YMCA court, Wandegeya.
The Stormers, coached by John Omondi managed to overcome a 4-point deficit in their first quarter with Asinde registering a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds.
“Back in the days, other teams had turned us into a supermarket, but this time we have come stronger. We have a crop of young players who are ready to compete,” warned Jacky Natocho who finished the game with 5 points.
KIU Rangers started on court with a strong side consisting of Apiyo, Irakoze, Marion, Atulinda and Namukasa. They had a powerful start leading the first quarter 18-14.
In the second quarter, the Stormers managed to fight back and eventually closed down the 4 point deficit, turning the tables against the Rangers as the second quarter ended 34-35 in favour of the Stormers.
The Stormers continued to impose their dominance in the 3rd quarter with Natocho engineering the moves.
She drove the ball from the back-court, distributing it to all corners of the court with exquisite ease; enabling the Stormers to add 18 points in the 3rd quarter taking their tally to 53.
In last quarter, Both Awayo Esther and Asinde Jane added two point shots from inside the paint as Stormers clocked 57.
KIU Rangers, Nimod Kaboha tried to stage a late rally as Moreen Atulinda managed to end the game with 13 points, but even a late 3 point slap shot from way downtown by Aurora Irakoza wasn’t enough as the Rangers lost by a 22 point margin.
Atulinda finished the game limping due to a muscle pool she picked midway through the 3rd quarter,
Lineups.
Magic Stormers
Namwenge Benedick, Agiru Getrude, Tausi Mumina, Namvubya Shakira, Natocho Jacky, July Nakafeero, Barbara Namukwaya, Shina Abbey, Akon Rose, Nakiyingi Evelyn, Awayo Esther, Asinde Jane.
Coach – John Omondi
KIU Rangers
Aisha Nakabubi, Fionah Apiyo, Nalumanzi Irine, Aurore Irakoze, Annielle Kadede, Marion Esther, Ritah Komugisha, Maureem Nankya, Moreen Atulinda, Penelope Ampumuza, Nankya Doreen.
Coach – Nimod Kaboha
Referee – Ivan Ssemanda
Umpire – Lewis Dingo
Commissioner – Edmond Lumu