The Uganda Gazelles turned up big against DR Congo to book a date with the hosts  Rwanda in the quarter finals of the Women Afrobasket.

They made history as they reached this milestone for the very first time.

The Game started a bit slow seeing just 27 points from both teams in the first quarter,Congo leading with 3 points.

Gazelles took their first lead since the first quarter with 06:06 left and went on to make it a 6 point game.

Congo however went on a 7:2 run to close the quarter and the game was tied 30:30 at half time.

The Gazelles had 14 turnovers, and gave away 15 offensive rebounds to Congo who in turn got 8 points from turnovers and 11 second chance points in the first half.
Asinde also was with 3 fouls early in the second quarter and was put on the bench which affected the team.

The Gazelles sought to make their wrongs right in the third quarter as they came out guns blazing scoring 2 quick buckets to make it a 5 point game. Congo responded, with 7 straight points to take a 2 point lead.

Uganda then stepped on the gas as they cruised to a 16:6 run to make it a 10 point game.

The momentum just kept with the Gazelles as they scored 8 unanswered points to start the 4th, making it a 16 point game.

It surely was done and dusted as the spirits of the Congolese seem to have been dampened while the Gazelles just looked fresher.

Match facts

Gazelles had 5 players in double digits and also Evelyn Nakiyinji and Ritah Imanishimwe made their debuts in the competition.

Clare Lamunu was the most efficient player on the court and was with a double double. She dropped, 12 points, 14 rebounds,  3 blocks and a 67% FG.

Janon was in “Otto-pilot” as usual leading the scoring for Gazelles with 18 points plus 9 rebounds, 2 assits and a 54% FG.

Despite getting into foul trouble early on in the second quarter,  Jane Asinde showed her brilliance dropping 18 points in the fourth quarter accompanied by 6 rebounds and 3 assists. She was among the game changers for the Gazelles in the second half.

Lydia Babirye was the star of the night for many as she displayed a very high IQ of the basketball game. She dished out 11 assists, brilliantly finding Mellisa under the rim on a couple of occasions. She topped that with 4 rebounds and 7 points and showed the fans and the Coach why she needs to start more in that Point Guard position.

Congo had 2 players going for them in, Ketia Mbelu who posted 13 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals.

Gracia Nguz with a big impact off the bench dropping 15 point and 3 rebounds while Ginette Mfutila Makiese collected 8 rebounds and 6 points.

Gazelles had 27/75, 36% FG while Congo had 20/83, 23% FG. They also 47 defensive rebounds, 10 more than Congo who had 23 offensive, 6 more than Uganda.

Congo also had 15 steals compared to only 8 for Gazelles who turnover woes also continued, as they registered 25 (same as against Senegal) compared to 17 for Congo.

The Gazelles showed the ability to find each other, as they registered 19 assists, 11 from Babirye who was easily locating her teammates on the floor.

Key takeaways

The Gazelles struggled abit in the first half most especially due to the turnovers(14) and foul trouble, Jane Asinde being the biggest culprit. 

They also gave away 15 offensive rebounds however, Congo wasn’t lethal as they only scored 8 points off turnovers and 11 seconds chance points.

Congo was also poor offensively scoring just 20 of the attempted 83 shots and that helped Uganda a lot as they were able to capitalise on their opponents weaknesses.

Lydia Babirye has proved once again that she needs to start, she controlled the game very well and her ability to locate her teammates on the floor was 💯.

Clare Lamunu bringing leadership, composure, experience and strength to the squad. She’s at the heart of defense of the team and has proven that she can also get some good points.

Mellisa Akullu has been one of the most important pieces more so defensively. She’s proactive running up and down the floor for so much pace, getting the rebounds and also getting some points to her name.

The Coach seems to have find the starting squad, but a few questions are being asked whether players like Evelyn, Najjuma and Ritah will get more minutes in the competition. They also seem to be out of favor as the coach normally has Abbey, Hope, Flavia and Ekone in the rotations.

Uganda fans have been the 6th man as they poured in numbers to support the Gazelles. The whole Arena was cheering on the Girls from start to finish and as they play the hosts Rwanda next, even more fans will be expected to show up to give the girls more energy.

In case they defeat Rwanda, they will have to face either Nigeria or Mozambique in the semifinals, and the whole nation will be praying to meet the latter.