The Uganda 3×3 Women’s team were in action at the FIBA 3×3 Women’s series for the first time this year in Orleans, France. The team faced a major challenge as they only had 3 players available and this significantly affected them.
The team, which was comprised of Gazelles stars, Jane Asinde, Mellisa Akullu, Jamila Nansinkombi and head coach Nicholas Natuhereza set off from Uganda on Saturday 13th June. Perus Nyamwenge, who was the fourth player, was supposed to connect from Morocco and find the team in France.
However, when the game was about to start, that is when the people back at home realised that there were only 3 players and Perus was missing. Upon consultation, we learnt that she had experienced some visa challenges and that is why she was unable to join the team. Nonetheless, the games had to go on.
In the opening game, Uganda faced Neftchi Socar, the number seed in the tournament, and lost to them 18-14. This game was expected to be very tough but the ladies put up valiant efforts and under a minute to play, it was a 1-point game but a few mistakes here and there cost the team.
In the next game, Uganda had to win by at least 3 points in order to advance to the quarterfinals. Once again, they fought and left everything on the floor. With about 2 minutes to play, the game was tied at 12 points apiece but Mitsubishi Electric closed out the game on an 8-4 run to win 19-15.
With this, Uganda finished as the number 10 team and they shall be back in action on 26th June in their next stop in Poitiers. In that stop, Leslie Vorpahl will replace Perus Nyamwenge and Uganda shall play the qualifying draw hoping to advance to the main competition.
Orleans Stop results
Uganda 14-18 Neftchi Socar
Uganda 15-19 Mistubishi Electric
With Perus not having played, Uganda missed out on key valuable points which could be signifcant in their push to qualify for the Olympics.
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