The anticipation was palpable as the KIU Rangers and JT Lady Jaguars clashed in the inaugural lady’s games of the season, setting the court ablaze with their competitive spirit.

There was a lot of shock and worry to many fans when only 7 players were available for the Lady Jaguars. To make it worse, Brenda Kayaga, their primary source of offense and had scored (14 points) more than half the team’s, got and injury just before half time.

The Rangers, facing a near-loss to the relentless JT Lady Jaguars, emerged victorious in a nail-biting overtime, securing a much-needed 61-57 win.

From the opening quarter, both teams showcased their prowess, ending the first quarter a deadlock at 19:19.

Letaru’s dazzling performance for the Lady Jaguars added to the intensity, but her off day, shooting-wise allowed the Rangers to maintain a two-point lead by the second quarter.

The third quarter witnessed a dramatic turn as the Rangers unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, rescuing them from a precarious situation. However, Namulema Fildauce, the Rangers’ point guard, faced challenges with turnovers, injecting an element of unpredictability.

As the game approached its climax in the last quarter, the Rangers exhibited moments of recklessness, with missed opportunities from power forwards Kirabo Sharon missing an easy lay up and Nanyoga Stella unable to make the pass, in a 2v 1 situation.

Maimuna Nabbosa with a big block on Amaniyo Mary with 13 seconds left the victory hanging in balance, but the possession was now with the Lady Jaguars and everyone thought it was a done deal.

On the other side, the Lady Jaguars faced their own struggles, particularly in the critical last seconds.

With 14 seconds left, the JT Lady Jaguars had the possession and had a 1 point lead. Fildauce Namulema, made a foul but the Rangers still had a foul to give, which meant, the Jaguars were to inbound with 8.2 seconds left.

Fortunately or unfortunately, to the dismay of the Jaguars fans, Wangeshi Sandra Ayikoru was unable to inbound the ball and a five (5) second violation was called hence the turnover.

This gave the Rangers one last opportunity to win it at the death but we were to witness yet more drama.

The ball found their danger man, Mary Amaniyo who went straight to the rim. The Jaguars still had a foul to give but Maimuna Nabbosa (primary defender) was unable to foul before the short attempt and thus sent Mary Amaniyo to the line, with. a chance to win for the Rangers.

Amaniyo managed to make the first free throw but unfortunately missed the second and the game ended up tied 53 a piece at end of regular time.

With the momentum now all shifted towards the KIU Rangers, it was very hard seeing the Lady Jaguars take the win.

The six (6) Jaguars players were very exhausted and it was very evident they needed a breather, which they couldn’t afford at that moment.

Match Stats

Maimuna Nabbosa 18 pts, 13 pts, 1 blk, 3 stl

Brenda Kayaga 14 pts, 100% FG

Sandra Ayikoru Wangeshi 12 pts, 5 rebs

Sarah Ageno 6 pts, 17 rebs, 4 ast, 1 blk

Sharon Kirabo 17 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl

Fildauce Namulema 6 ast, 4 stl, 3 rebs

Mary Amaniyo 25 pts, 20 rebs,

JT Lady Jaguars

5/31, 16% 3P

24/71, 33.8% FG

32 Turnovers

KIU Rangers

6/35, 17% 3P

17 steals

13/19, 68% FT

21/79, 26% FG

In an interview with Lady Jaguars Coach Sudi Ulanga, he revealed that there is a lot of injury concerns, that why they were understaffed.

Priscilla Nambogo unfortunately got an accident while on her way to the Arena, Captain Rhoda Nagitta is still in rehabilitation, new signing Mercy Batamuliza is with the She cranes in England while, Brenda Kayaga has now also gotten an injury. The Lady Jaguars have another game, on Sunday against Nabisunsa and how they will cope with the crisis, we shall find out.

Coach Julius Lutwama and new Ranger Elizabeth Aguti both revealed that the team is yet to jel well and once they do “trouble for the opponents”