The Makerere Sparks opened their second round with a narrow 63-61 against Watoto on Sunday 10th at KIU, Kansaga.
After not being in action for close to 2 months, the Sparks were finally back and a game against Watoto is what they needed. A soft start to the second round.
However, what was anticipated to be an easy game for them proved to be very tough as Watoto pushed them to the edge.
In the first quarter, Watoto led the game 21-14 with Linda Akullu bagging 13 points.
The Sparks had a problem of turnovers (11) and this was a major reason as to why they were trailing.
However tables turned around in the second quarter.
The Sparks engaged another gear defensively and Watoto had no way out.
They scored just 8 points while committing 9 turnovers. In the final 6 minutes of the half, Watoto scored 0 points and 4 of their 8 points in the quarter came from the free throw line.
By the halftime break, the Sparks led 31-29 and they seemed to have cracked the code.
Makerere led by as many as 9 points in the third but Watoto was still fighting.
Prasie Mwebaza kept them in the game, scoring 11 points in the quarter and ensuring that Watoto was within touching distance.
The Sparks made an 8-0 in the fourth quarter to make it 14-point lead with less than 4 minutes left.
Many thought they had done enough to win but Watoto did not think the same and they kept fighting.
They scored 14 points in the final 3 minutes but Esther Priscilla made a layup which turned out to be the game winner for the Sparks.
Despite closing with a 9-0, Watoto was unable to complete the comeback and the Sparks won the game 63-61.
Match Stats
Makerere Sparks
Mercy Ageno 17 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast
Afua Nabawanga 13 pts, 6 stl
Nakiryowa Belinda 7 pts, 6 reb
Mary Sora Deng 6 pts, 7 reb
Watoto
Linda Akullu 29 pts, 17 reb, 8 stl
Praise Mwebaza 14 pts, 3 reb
Jasmine Lukwago 8 pts, 11 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl
Watoto have won just 2 games so far and they find themselves a distant away from a playoff place.
They shall be taking on Seeta High next on Sunday 17th at Hamz stadium.
Makerere Sparks are on path to a top four finish and a victory in their second round opener is a step in the right direction.
They will face Seeta High next on Saturday 16th and Kibuli S.S on Sunday 17th.
Leave a Reply