The conversation for the KIU Rangers could have been very different, but with the brutal nature of sports, they now find themselves in a predicament of their own making.

With less than a minute left, the KIU Rangers had a 4 point lead and they also had the possession, in such circumstances, everyone thinks the game is done but what unfolded in the next few seconds of the game will surely haunt them.

The Rangers made a turnover, and after that, made a foul sending Ekone Brenda to the line. Fortunately for them, she only made one and they got the possession back with a 3 point lead.

Again, one would think the most logical thing to do is try to hold onto the ball and eat up as much time as possible. The Rangers however made another turnover shortly giving the possession back to the lady Dolphins who punished them, Evelyne Nakiyinji with the offensive rebound and the lay up.

The Rangers however were still with the lead with 14 seconds left, but made another turnover and fouling afterwards.

Flavia Oketcho had a chance to give JKL the lead but also just made 1 shot eventually sending the game to overtime.

The JKL Lady Dolphins went on a 7:0 run and the KIU Rangers were just playing catch up there after.

One could ask, how did the Lady Dolphins survive that and come out triumphant?

First of all, experience. The Lady Dolphins have played together for a long time and have been in such situations plenty of time. They knew that they just had to maintain the pressure and fortunately for them, the KIU Rangers succumbed to it and gave away the victory.

The concentration levels of the KIU Rangers in the final minutes were very low. It was very evident that some of them were very tired and made unforgivable errors that cost the team the game.

Alternative point scorers also was a key element. Perus Nyamwenge had a wonderful game but when points dried up in the second and third quarters, they needed someone to set up. Stella Nanfuka did so in the second, scoring 10 of their 13 points but in the 3rd quarter, no on did. Matter of fact, they only scored 8 points and that brought the JKL Lady Dolphins bavk in the game.

The Lady Dolphins on the other had had multiple sources of offense, Flavia Oketcho, Ritah Imanishimwe, Ekone Brenda in double digits while Taudenciah Oluoch, Leticia Awor and Evelyne Nakiyinji all scored big buckets when called upon.

Take aways

The Rangers did well to silence Becky Longom and Hope Akello in points scored. The duo however had a combined 29 rebounds which definitely had a huge impact on the final result.

The Lady Dolphins were sent to the Free throw line 31 times compared to 14 for the Rangers. That also had a big impact on how the game climaxed.

Stats

Flavia Oketcho 12 pts, 3 rebs, 6 ast, 3 stl

Ritah Imanishimwe 14 pts, 4 rebs

Ekone Brenda 13 pts, 3 rebs

Becky Longom 21 rebounds

Perus Nyamwenge 27 pts, 3 rebs, 1 ast, 5 stl

Dorcas Marondera 9 pts, 9 rebs, 1 ast

Stella Nanfuka 10 pts, 3 rebs, 2 stl

Sharon Kirabo 5 pts, 6 rebs, 2 ast, 5 stl, 2 blk

Game 5 is happening this Sunday, can the JKL Lady Dolphins win their 3rd trophy?

Will the KIU Rangers force game 6?