After a horrific performance in Stop 2, the Ugandan Women’s U23 3×3 team picked themselves up and they managed to win stop 3.

In their opening game in Stop 3, they lost to Kenya 13-15 and many people back home lost hope.

However, stars aligned for Uganda and they managed to win their next game and progress to the final.

Benin defeated Kenya 15-9 and what that meant was, Uganda had to defeat Benin by 6 or more in order to top the group and advance.

In the first 4 minutes, both teams were neck and neck but Uganda made headway after an 13-4 run to take an 8-point lead with less than 90 seconds left.

At this point, Uganda tried to close the game with 2-point shots but nothing was landing.

Benin missed 2 crucial free throws but made 3 points late in the game to make it a 6-point game.

On the final possession, Benin missed the shot but the got the offensive rebound with a chance to cut the deficit and advance to the finals.

However, their player missed an open layup and that was enough for Uganda seal the win 19-13 and advance to the finals.

The final was a rematch of the Finals of Stop 1 against Cote d’Ivoire.

With less than 2:30 left in the game, Cote d’Ivoire led the game 12-8 and were on the way to getting their first win.

However, Mary Priscillar Nambogo brought Uganda back in the game with 2 huge 2-point shots and a big drive to tie the game with 12 seconds left.

Unfortunately, Uganda was charged with a technical foul and Cote d’Ivoire had a chance to take the lead and also the possession.H

However, they missed the free throw and Uganda managed to defend and the game ended 14 apiece.

Both teams got opportunities from the 2-point line in overtime but none was able to hit the target.

Shillah Lamunu made a drive to the rim, made the basket and drew the foul.

She then buried the free throw to give Uganda victory.

Fun fact

Uganda and Cote d’Ivoire have met in 2 finals and they have both been won on the free throw line in overtime by Uganda.

After making an appearance in the finals in stop 2, Uganda men looked to win their first stop but it wasn’t going to be easy.

They lost their first game, 21-14 to Cote d’Ivoire but bounced back in the second to win 22-11 against Benin.

With that 22 points scored, Uganda had the 3rd most points and finished as the number 3 team which elevated them in the overall standings.

Women’s Results

Uganda 13-15 Kenya

Uganda 19-13 Benin

Uganda 16-14 Cote d’Ivoire

Men’s Results

Uganda 14-21 Cote d’Ivoire

Uganda 11-22 Benin

Women’s Team

1. Shillah Lamunu
2. Sylivia Nakituuka
3. Mary Priscillar Nambogo
4. Martina Anyango

Men’s Team

1. Peter Obleng
2. Marvin Jesse Okurut
3. Carl Loum
4. Allawi Ssenkubuge

Standings after stop 3

Women

1. Uganda 245 pts
2. Cote d’Ivoire 240 pts
3. Kenya 220 pts
4. Algeria 190
5. Benin 170 pts
6. Burkina Faso 150 pts

Men

1. Algeria 280 pts
2. Cote d’Ivoire 230 pts
3. Uganda 195 pts
4. Kenya 190 pts
5. Burkina Faso 180 pts
6. Benin 140 pts

Stop 4 of the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League shall take place on 6th June and both Ugandan teams shall be looking to get wins.

Reminder, the winners of the tournament qualify for the FIBA U23 World Cup.