By Michael Ainomugisha
UCU Lady Canons secured a 61–50 victory over the Pearl Queens in a National Basketball League fixture played at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Wednesday, 20th March, while the UCU Canons were awarded 20 points and a win after the Kampala Rockets failed to turn up for their scheduled game.
The Lady Canons started strongly, with Sylvia Nakituuka scoring five early points as UCU fought to an 18–13 lead in the opening quarter.
By halftime, Coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s side had stretched the advantage to 36–27, maintaining control through disciplined defence and efficient shooting.
UCU continued to build momentum in the third quarter. Nakituuka knocked down back-to-back three-point shots to move into double figures with 14 points before the end of the period. Forward Martina Anyango then added a crucial three-pointer in the closing minute of the quarter to hand the Mukono side a 13-point cushion heading into the final period, with Pearl Queens trailing 54–36.
The fourth quarter opened cautiously, with both sides combining for only five points in the opening six minutes. Pearl Queens attempted a late comeback through Patience Karungi’s three-pointer, while Sarah Namale responded with a two-point basket to keep UCU ahead at 56–39 with six minutes left to play.
Pearl Queens outscored UCU 14–7 in the final quarter, but the Lady Canons’ earlier dominance proved enough to seal the 61–50 victory.
Martina Anyango recorded a double-double of 15 points and 21 rebounds, while Sylvia Nakituuka added 14 points and five rebounds for UCU.
For Pearl Queens, Rose Adhiambo Musundi scored 11 points, Djeneba Ballo added 10, and Jane Chisom Iriele finished with 13 points.
On the same night, UCU Canons were handed a walkover victory after Kampala Rockets failed to honour the fixture.
Photo by Tonny Blair Otto
