Makerere Sparks registered their second victory in three games to start the second round after defeating Watoto 58:53 on Saturday 21st at YMCA.

The Sparks, who lost to Watoto 65-61 in round one, came into the game with revenge on their minds, and the main objective was to execute the game plan all day long.

Following their victory against the JT Junior Lady Jaguars, there was a lot of optimism in the camp and they knew that securing a win would boost the team’s confidence in the preceding games.

Watoto led the game 17-13 after the quarter but Makerere was able to tie as the game went into halftime.

The Sparks played very fantastically defensively in the second quarter limiting Watoto to just 4 points but they never capitalized on that till the final minutes.

Makerere made and an 8-0 run in to close the second quarter but the most impressive thing was the efficiency as they made all their final 4 attempts.

The game was still tied after the third quarter and the biggest break for the Sparks came halfway the final period.

The Sparks made a 9-0 run to develop a 7-point lead with 3 minutes left in the game.

Catherine Agenorwot scored 4 consecutive free throws to bring Watoto to within one point but one final mistake secured the win for Makerere.

After a timeout, Watoto had a chance to tie to take the lead with 20 seconds left but Afua Nabawanga got the steal on the inbound and delivered the final stroke with a layup.

Match Stats

Makerere Sparks

Afua Nabawanga 13 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl

Madalen Ayak 12 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl

Mercy Ageno 11 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk

Viola Nakazibwe 5 pts, 15 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk

Watoto

Linda Akullu 19 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast

Stellah Nabakka 11 pts, 11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

Catherine Agenorwot 10 pts, 3 reb

New signing Viola Nakazibwe who was very instrumental in the team’s victory attributes the victory to team work and defense.

“Teamwork was key, and we listened to what the coach was saying. Our defense was also very good although our shots weren’t dropping on offense” she said

She also commented on what helped her get a wonderful game more so defensively;

“Following what my teammates told me to do and communicating while on the floor. Ayak helped me a lot, when i was lost she’d direct me and I’d get in the right position”

Makerere now has 5 wins and are on their way to the playoffs.

Makerere Sparks will face Nkumba Lady Marines in their next encounter on 29th September at YMCA.

Watoto return to action on Saturday 28th as they take on Our Savior Banyabo at YMCA.