NBL Playoffs: UCU Lady Canons Take 2-1 Lead

Tuesday, August 20
*UCU Lady Canons 52-48 KIU Rangers (2-1)
*KIU Titans 76-74 Nam Blazers (2-1)

Wednesday, August 21
*JKL Lady Dolphins Vs JT Lady Jaguars (2-0) – 7pm
*City Oilers Vs UCU Canons (2-0) – 9pm

Watch highlights:

UCU Lady Canons secured a crucial 2-1 lead in the NBL Playoffs Semifinals with a hard-fought victory over the KIU Rangers on Tuesday at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The Lady Canons, despite missing head coach Nicholas Natuhereza, were steered home by assistant coach Emmanuel Kiguyi to a tense 59-55 win in Game three.

The Lady Canons started strong, taking a 20-14 lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, they had extended their advantage to eight points, appearing poised for a comfortable victory.

However, the Rangers came roaring back in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to just three points heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. In the closing moments, UCU’s captain Shakirah Nanvubya drained a crucial three-pointer, giving her team a two-point lead with under a minute remaining.

KIU had opportunities to respond but missed two key shots, and Nanvubya sealed the game by sinking two free throws.

Nanvubya led all scorers with 14 points, while Hajara Najjuko contributed 11 points, and Bridget Aber added 8 points and a commanding 13 rebounds.

For the Rangers, Sharon Kirabo and Rachael Nanyonga each scored 11 points.

However, injured Rangers’ star player Rose Amaniyo who was tried out for the first time in these series went off the court after just two minutes while the other key player Ines Kanyamunenza was held scoreless on 0-for-9 shooting.

Kanyamunenza had scored a game high 17 points on Sunday as KIU beat UCU 54-51 to tie the series.

The Lady Canons dominated the boards, out-rebounding KIU 53-37, a key factor in their victory.

As the series heads to Game 4 (possibly on Friday), the Rangers will be desperate to force a decisive fifth game, while UCU will look to close out the series and advance to the finals.