The Makerere Sparks’ who had won their last 2 games got their winning streak cut short after they fell short against table leaders Nkumba Lady Marines with a 59-40 defeat.

The Sparks’ came into the game with a hope that they could avenge their 43-62 loss against Nkumba in round one but the Lady Marines were very intent on completing the double.

Nkumba led the game 13-11 after the first quarter but during the second, their defense limited Makerere to just 5 points and they managed to go into the halftime break with a 12-point lead.

Makerere better their performance in the second half but it wasn’t enough to result into a comeback and Nkumba walked away with a win.

Talking Points

The Nkumba Lady Marines applied the press against Makerere and despite the Sparks managing to beat it, their offense was uncoordinated which resulted into multiple defensive stops for Nkumba and transition basketball. The Lady Marines scored 29 points from turnovers and also 29 fast break points.

The lack of concentration by Makerere towards the end of quarters was also a key. At the end of the first period, Nkumba closed with a 6-0 run. They did the same at the end of the second and at the end of the third, it was worse. They made 5 turnovers in the final 3 minutes and Nkumba closed with a 9-0 run.

Makerere Viola Nakazibwe put another phenomenal performance and she registered her first double-double with 12 points and 20 rebounds.

Privas Akenyi also put up a top performance with 12 points, 16 rebounds and 8 assists to her name.

Match Stats

Makerere Sparks

Viola Nakazibwe 12 pts, 20 reb, 3 stl

Madalen Ayak 9 pts, 5 reb, 1 stl

Mercy Ageno 8 pts, 4 reb, 1 stl

Nkumba Lady Marines

Ssengendo Mary Hazel 15 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl

Privas Akenyi 12 pts, 16 reb, 2 ast, 8 stl, 1 blk

Penlop Amiya 10 pts, 9 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk

Makerere Sparks were unfortunate to lose one of their key players, Mercy Ageno who got a knee injury and it is undetermined when she will be back.

Makerere takes on Legends next on Saturday 5th October at KIU in Kansanga. Having picked up a win against them in round one at the same venue, the Sparks will be looking to complete the double.