The KCCA Leopards returned to winning ways after defeating the KIU Rangers 73-65 on Friday 4th.

This was one of those mildly tense games that go down to the wire and an unlikely heroine, Sharua Nakirya saved the day for the Leopards.

Read more: Miracle Ravens shock KCCA Leopards

In the final 2 minutes of the game, she scored 5 points, 2 assists and a steal.

After Racheal Nanyonga had made it a 1-point game, Sharua provided the response from the Leopards.

She made a strong drive to the basket and finished it off brilliantly.

Immediately after, she contained Fildauce Namulema defensively and forced her into a tough shot, which she missed.

She then created for Perus Nyamwenge who scored to make it a 5-point game.

On the next Leopards possession, she easily beat Fildauce and delivered the dagger with a step-back 3.

She also assisted Asinah Kabendela on their final field goal and boy oh boy did she have an incredible 2 minutes.

Both teams came into this game needing a victory in order to reassure themselves about their position in the league.

The KCCA Leopards had lost in their previous game against the Miracle Ravens and needed to bounce back.

On the other hand, the KIU Rangers who had lost their season opener to UCU, had won their last game against UPDF and needed to build on that.

The first half was evenly matched, but the Leopards led by a point, 32-31.

The Rangers started the third quarter with a 6-0 run to take the lead in the third quarter.

They also close off the quarter with another 6-0 run in the final 33 seconds.

Margaret Bagaala came up big for the Leopards in the fourth quarter, scoring 7 points.

One of the biggest game changers for KCCA was their ability to clean up the board.

In the third quarter, KIU out-rebounded them 16-8 and managed to score 6 second-chance points to KCCA’s 0.

However, in the final quarter, the Leopards won that aspect, with 13-11 rebounds.

Additionally, they scored 5 second-chance points while KIU Rangers only scored 2, and this made a massive difference.

Match Stats

KCCA Leopards

Perus Nyamwenge 13 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl

Margaret Bagaala 13 pts, 6 reb, 3 stl

Uwineza Ninette 10 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl, 1 blk

Tracy Namugosa 11 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl

Susan Aanyu 13 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl

Asinah Kabendela 15 reb, 8 pts,

KIU Rangers

Ines Kanyamuneza 15 pts, 2 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl

Sharon Kirabo 15 pts, 9 reb

Stella Nanfunka 10 pts, 12 reb, 2 stl

Match Facts

KCCA Leopards is the first team to have 5 players score double digits in a game in multiple games.

KCCA Leopards attempted just 3 3-point shots in the first half. That is the lowest by a team in any game this season.

Stella Nanfunka is the first KIU Rangers player to register a double-double this season.

Read more on KIU Rangers’ win against UPDF Lady Tomahawks

The KIU Rangers have a 1-2 record and they will be looking to improve it this weekend.

They take on the Nkumba Lady Marines, who are yet to win a game, on Sunday 6th at Lugogo.

The KCCA Leopards have a 2-1 record and this victory will go a long way in increasing their confidence.

They will have a 2 weeks break and will be back in action on the 18th, Good Friday, in a game against the JT Lady Jaguars.