By Ian Asabo
UCU Lady Canons defeated the KIU Rangers 68-67 in an overtime thriller on Wednesday night at the MTN Lugogo arena.
In what felt like a playoff game, emotions were high as it was a back-and-forth game that is surely a contender for game of the season.
The Lady Canons were slow out of the blocks as the Rangers raced to a 20-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
Solid defense became the norm as the Mukono- based side turned on the style to cut down the lead to eight points at halftime.
Led by Akon Rose and Najjuko Hajara who combined for 31 points, the Lady Canons blitzed the KIU Rangers and took a ten-point as they looked seemed to have completed the improbable comeback.
A late surge from the ladies from Kampala in the final minutes of the fourth quarter including a clutch three by Ines Kanyanmuza with two seconds left forced the game into overtime at 63-63.
Lady Canons’ head coach, who looked visibly upset because the ten-point lead had been blown encouraged the team to dig deep, be patient and play good defense
The Lady Canons were able to win the possession-by-possession tussle in overtime as they were able to lock in and get the dub.
The Player of the game, Akon Rose, who had a game-high 26 rebounds says that it was one of the best games that she has played because of the comeback and the atmosphere at the arena.
“It was definitely one of the best games I have played in, we started slow and dug deep, incredible team spirit, the atmosphere was amazing and we look forward to the next game”, he says.
Stoffel Ninsiima, one of the fans at the game stressed the fact that it was one of the best games he has watched live.
“This game was one of the best I have ever watched live, the emotions from the fans and players were at all time, it felt like a playoff game”, he says.
The win puts the Lady Canons on a 4-game winning run and takes their record to 4-1 for the season.
They face the Magic Stormers next on Sunday April 10th with the venue to be confirmed.
