After a heavy 29-point loss against the UCU Lady Canons in game one of the semifinals, the KIU Rangers are out to even the series in the opening game on Sunday, 18th August.

The UCU Lady Canons dominated the Rangers in game one and most of their points came from 3-point range.

They buried 14 3-point shots while the KIU Rangers managed to score just 6.

The rebounding was also key in this game as the Lady Canons had 20 more rebounds than the Rangers, which points towards disaster.

Expectations

The KIU Rangers ought to start on a stronger foot if they are to increase their chances in this game.

Without Mary Amaniyo, it is very difficult to rely on the other bigger guys, and in case they can score a couple of points and maybe give KIU the lead early on, their confidence shall be up, and they could offer more both defensively and offensively down the stretch.

The UCU Lady Canons know what worked for them in the previous game and they will want to try and maintain that.

Perimeter Defense

The KIU Rangers lost the game because of the impeccable 3-point shooting from the UCU Lady Canons.

The ball movement to create open shots by the Canons was good and as thus, they got heavily rewarded.

The Rangers need to figure out ways to cut off that water. Be it playing man-to-man defense, they have to make sure that their opponents work for every point they make. They have to rough them up and contest everything.

Match Ups

Shakirah Nanvubya vs Fildauce Namulema

Shakirah has been playing well, reading the defense well and creating for her teammates. In game one, she had 5 assists but most of these came through drives and kick outs.

Fildauce is a much smaller place compared to Shakirah and there is a size mismatch. Shakirah used that to go for the drive and when help defense arrived, that kick out to the players outside and it resulted in some baskets.

Fildauce played well in the opening half, being very active defensively and making some good passes on offenses though her teammates did not capitalize.

This matchup is going to be very important because Shakirah is a very big threat who can also score the basket and Fildauce has to find ways of stopping or slowing her down.

Rebounding Battle

Even without their top Rebounder Bridget Aber, the UCU Lady Canons collected 59 while KIU had 39.

The Canons had 20 offensive rebounds that resulted in 20 second-chance points.

Patricia Alado, Sharon Kirabo, Stella Nanfuka, Nanyonga Florence all need to show us why they are paid by the KIU management. This is their moment and they have to earn their money.

With their size and experience, they should be able to find themselves in good places to rebound the ball both offensively and defensively inorder to help their team overcome.

HEAD TO HEAD

UCU Lady Canons 73:44 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 69:63 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 66:46 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 74:67 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 66:63 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 65:40 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 85:76 KIU Rangers