After finally crossing the hurdle and making it to the National Basketball League finals, the KIU Rangers have one remaining unacomplished task and if they can pass it, they will be cement their names in Uganda’s basketball history.

After Clean sweeps against Miracle Eagles and JT Lady Jaguars in the quarter and semi finals respectively, the KIU Rangers face a vastly experienced JKL Lady Dolphins who are in their fourth final in four years.

The big question though is, Can the KIU Rangers quiet the JKL Lady Dolphins?

As we all know, sports can be very funny, but yes the Rangers have a chance though, the answer to that question is not in theory but rather the work in put on the court.

First and foremost, the Lady Dolphins were on the wrong side of history last year after losing the Finale despite having taken a 3:0 advantage in the series. The KIU Rangers would have to borrow, not just a leaf, but a whole brunch from the UCU Lady Canons team that made history last year. The resilience, perseverance, persistence, hard work, aggression, passion and so much more has to be on full display for them to increase their chance.

The fans are also a very big factor, with the numerous amount of fans that the KIU basketball franchise has, the Rangers will be hoping that hundreds come, get behind them and be the 6th man.

Battle in the paint??

The Lady Dolphins is one of the most lethal teams both in the paint and behind the arc. Hope Akello (13.2 PPG, 12.3 RPG) who was largely agreed upon as the MVP is such a dangerous player, with size, height, energy and skills and most of her work is done in the paint.

Another unsung hero for the JKL Lady Dolphins is Becky Longom who averages 8.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG and most of the points coming from the paint. She’s also the 3rd most efficient player in the league and that speaks volumes of how much she adds to the JKL side.

With the facts above, the KIU Rangers have a big task ahead of them to stop the big men of the Lady Dolphins. Dorcas Marondera caused all sorts of problems for the Lady Jaguars in the paint, and also managed to picked a plethora of rebounds. They will be needing her to step up most when it matters and if she can win the battle against Becky Longom, it will give the Rangers a big boost on both ends of the floor.

Rose Mary Amaniyo has been the best player so far in the playoffs averaging 15+ points, 15+ rebounds despite being the youngest. She’s one of the best two way players but she will be having a big task, that is to stop the far more experienced Hope Akello. Tactically speaking, Amaniyo has to reduce on her exploits on offense. Despite having a lot of youthful exuberance and energy, running hard back and fourth will get her easily worn out and given that she’s the center piece of this KIU side, every second that she’s of on the floor could prove costly.

The other player that is not looked at much but is also deadly is Brenda Ekone who leads the league in points scored this season. The Lady Dolphins Forward likes to male drives to the paint and stopping means cutting off the Lady Dolphins primary scorer.

Foul situation

The JKL Lady Dolphins benefit a lot from the foul trouble of the opponents. They have attempted 503 Free Throws compared to 376 for the Rangers.

The Rangers therefore have to avoid foul trouble by means otherwise, they could be heading for dark times.

3 point shots

KIU Rangers have a superfluous Amoury in their Arsenal when it comes to the 3 point shooting.

Ines Kanyamuneza and Perus Nyamwenge have the ability to win the game by themselves if the 3 point shots fall.

The Lady Dolphins also have snipers of their own in Ritah Imanishimwe and other complementary shooters like Flavia Oketcho and Evelyn Nakiyinji, not forgetting Agatha Kamwada.

With all this, it is yet to be known what the tactics the coaches have prepared and how well both teams shall adjust during the game.

Game 1 will tip-off today at 7 pm at YMCA.