By Michael Ainomugisha
UCU 68–57 KIU (1-0)
Uganda Christian University Lady Canons kicked off their National Basketball League play-offs with a convincing 68-57 victory over KIU Rangers on Friday, 5th September, at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The Mukono side started steady, edging the first quarter 12-10. By halftime, the Lady Canons had stretched their advantage with a strong 22-point second quarter against KIU’s 13, taking a 34-23 lead into the break.
Coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s charges maintained their momentum, adding 20 points in the third quarter before sealing the contest with 14 more in the final stretch to secure a double-digit win.
Hajjara Najjuko, Shillah Lamunu, Sylvia Nantongo, and Martina Anyango all finished in double figures with 13, 10, 11, and 13 points respectively. Lamunu also dominated the boards, pulling down a game-high 16 rebounds to anchor UCU’s defence and transition play.
The quarter-final is a best-of-five series, and the Lady Canons now hold a 1-0 lead. The winner of the series will advance to the semi-finals.
