Finally! KIU Rangers defeat UCU to even the series: NBL Semifinals

In a thrilling game, KIU Rangers defeated UCU Lady Canons 54-51 to tie the series 1-1. The Rangers showcased strong defense, rebounding, and a positive mindset for the crucial victory. #talkinghoops #NBL24

Avitus Ngabirano

August 19, 2024

3–4 minutes

KIU Rangers, National Basketball League, UCU Lady Canons

With 1:20 left, Ines Kanyamuneza made the biggest shot for KIU Rangers, a 3-point shot just before the shot clock expired to give the Rangers 3-point lead.

Aziida Nabayunga responded later with a 2 but the Rangers were in much more control of this game.

In the final 20 seconds, Fildauce Namulema was introduced to control the game as the Rangers had a 1-point, and she did very well, holding onto the ball and making the assist to Sharon Kirabo, who scored with 11 seconds and won the game for the Rangers 54:51.

The KIU Rangers came into this game after a very humiliating 29-point loss loss in game one and with their last victory against the UCU Lady Canons having been in 2018, there was a lot to play for.

The UCU Lady Canons started the game on the front foot, scoring 6 unanswered points but the Rangers responded and they took the lead.

The Lady Canons closed out the quarter with a 6:2 run and they led the game 14:11.

At the end of the second quarter, the UCU scored 5 points to 0 and they went into the halftime break with the lead; 27:20.

The third quarter had slim margins, just like the first 2 but the Rangers took it 13:10 and cut away on their deficit to make it a 4-point game heading into the fourth quarter.

Ines Kanyamuneza and Elizabeth Aguti made back-to-back 3-point shots to tie the game with 6:33 left but the turning point came a little later after that.

The Rangers scored 3 consecutive baskets through quick transitions. 2 steals and baskets in 15 seconds made the Rangers go up by 3 points and the momentum was tipped in their favor.

With 1:20 left, Ines Kanyamuneza made that big 3-point shot and the Rangers went on to win 54:51 and tie the series 1:1.

Talking points

KIU Rangers Defense

The KIU Rangers went back to the basics and opted to play a lot of zone defense.

The Rangers were very active, contesting shots and being in the faces of the Lady Canons. They also got rewarded with 16 steals, 10 more than the Lady Canons.

The Lady Canons scored just 1 3-point shot in the first half and despite leading the game, the Rangers were very proud of how well they defended their perimeter.

The Rangers forced UCU into 22 turnovers and they scored 18 points as a result. Most importantly, the defense in the fourth quarter helped a lot and KIU scored 7 points from turnovers.

Rebounds

In game one, the UCU Lady Canons outrebounded the Rangers by 20. In game 2, the Rangers addressed this and they were very intent on securing their rebounds.

They secured 50 rebounds to UCU’s 51 but Sharon Kirabo (11), Nanfuka Stella (8) and Racheal Nanyonga (7) had significant contributions.

3-point Shooting

In game 1, the Lady Canons scored 14 3-point shots and seeing this replicated was always going to be a hard ask.

The KIU Rangers came player better on defense and as a result, the Lady Canons scored just 5 3-point shots. 4 of those shots came in the second half and the they were all open after a bit of lax on defense.

The Rangers scored 6 3-point shots, a similar number they had in game one and they will be looking to improve on this in game 3.

Keeping a Positive Mindset

This was the most important thing for the KIU Rangers. After being humiliated in game 1, they had to come in this game and be positive throughout.

The UCU Lady Canons led the game for more than 70% of the time but the Rangers stayed positive and they got the result in the end.

Match Stats

KIU Rangers

Ines Kanyamuneza 17 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast

Sharon Kirabo 13 pts, 11 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl

Racheal Nanyonga 6 pts, 7 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk

UCU Lady Canons

Bridget Aber 12 pts, 11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

Tracy Namugosa 10 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk