It was a fourth quarter disaster-class as Makerere Sparks bottled a 9-point lead in the fourth quarter to lose 69-59, to Amazon Rhinos in their sixth game of the second round.
After trailing 13-11 at the end of the first quarter, the Sparks turned things around, playing good defense and capitalizing on that offensively in the second quarter.
At halftime, they led the game 28-24 and the trajectory was very positive for them.
Despite Amazon trying to push back, Makerere looked like the better side in the third quarter.
They kept making crucial defensive stops and also had an 8-0 run which put some separation between them and the opponents.
However, Amazon Rhino stayed in the game and they got their moment in the fourth quarter.
In the first 90 seconds of the fourth quarter, the 9-point lead for Makerere vanished in thin air.
They made 5 turnovers in that time and Amazon capitalized with 6 points from turnovers and the momentum shifted heavily towards Amazon Rhinos.
Amazon Rhinos scored 31 points in the fourth quarter and they 7 of their 8 3-point shots made in that time.
They were also very efficient while scoring with 11/17, 65%FG.
Makerere was unable to get the job done due the several mistakes they made on offense and defense but most importantly, the turnovers in the first 90 seconds of the final period.
The Sparks will have to take away positive lessons from this this game and hopefully the next time they are in such a position; they can seal the deal.
Match Stats
Makerere
Madalen Ayak 15 pts, 11reb, 1 as, 2 blk
Viola Nakazibwe 23 rebs, 4 pts, 3 ast, 4 stl
Afua Nabawanga 11 pts, 7 stl, 4 reb
Prossy Ojok 9 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
Amazon Rhinos
Aisha Lunkuse 19 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl
Charline Ursula Kirungi 15 pts, 11 reb, 3 ast
Among Joan 11 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 5 stl
Barbara Giu Okumu 8 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl
Makerere Sparks have a 6-10 record and they take on Our savior Banyabo next on Wednesday 23rd at YMCA.
Amazon Rhinos have won 4 of their last 5 games and are pushing for a top four spot. They will take on Seeta High on Saturday 26th and Kibuli S.S on Sunday 27th in their next games.
Leave a Reply