It took just one magical moment for the KIU Rangers to take the first blow in the 2023 NBL finals against 4 consecutive time Finalists JKL Lady Dolphins.
Perus Nyamwenge was tasked to take the 3 point shot with 10 seconds left and she savored the moment, buried the shot that eventually gave her side, KIU Rangers a 1 point victory.
A lot can be said about this game, but the KIU Rangers have to be highly commended for the incredible fight they put up despite having lost a 7 point lead after the Lady Dolphins made a 10:0 run to take the lead.
The Lady Dolphins started the game on a high and it looked like it would be business as usual omly for tables to turn in the second quarter as they were limited to just 6 points in the second.
A much more even third quarter ensued where the Lady Dolphins slightly edged the Rangers, but the Rangers still had the lead. Rose Amaniyo and Ines Kanyamuneza were causing all sorts of problems for the Lady Dolphins and were literally the only offensive fire power.
The final 5 minutes of the game were filled with drama as tables turned drastically.
The KIU Rangers had an 8 point lead with 4:09 left. The Lady Dolphins however went on a 10:0 run to take a 2 point lead with 1 minute left.
With 12 seconds left, Coach Lutwama called a timeout which would eventually change the fate of the game.
A play was called for Perus Nyamwenge and she did the game justice burying the bucket without hesitation.
Stats
All the 5 players of the Lady Dolphins were in double digits in either points or rebounds.
KIU Rangers had 3 players in double digits.
Evelyn Nakiyinji registered a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.
Becky Longom had a game high 16 rebounds but her input offensively was so poor, as she had just 2 of 29 Field Goals attempts.
Rose Mary Amaniyo with another spectacle posting 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals.
Ines Kanyamuneza with a superb performance off the bench posting 15 points and 3 rebounds.
Perus Nyamwenge, scorer of the the game winner posted 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
JKL had poor efficiency with 20/72, 27% FG while Rangers had 21/68, 30% FG.
The Free Throw line was also a night for them as they buried just 6/14, 42% FT.
The JKL lady Dolphins out rebounded the Rangers, 61-40, a 21 rebound difference.
Talking points
The fight from both teams was seen and this gave the fans a very entertaining, though jittery game.
Squad depth, the KIU Rangers showed that they have a number of players who can step up when called up and close out the game. The same however cannot be said for the JKL side as the coach has about 7-8 players that he trusts and is ready to utilize.
For a game like today where a key player in Flavia Oketcho was not available for selection, the Lady Dolphins struggled as they never had another trusted point guard to play when Nakiyinji was resting.
Battle in the paint.
In game 1, the battle in the paint wasn’t shown that much. Hope Akello had a fine performance in the first half but was quiet in the second. Dorcas Marondera had an off day as she failed to put an points on the board. The only player that seemed to be going was Becky Longom but despite picking 16 rebounds, she failed to score on numerous occasions and this costed her team a lot.
The Rangers have also shown that they can shoot from deep and the Mid-range. Ines, Perus and Amaniyo showed off their shooting abilities and the Lady Dolphins out to find a solution to that.
Game 2 is on Sunday and we shall be waiting to see who takes the next blow.
Can Lady Dolphins tie the series or does the Rangers make it 2:0?
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