Baagala Stars as KCCA Leopards Edge Magic Stormers in Playoff Thriller

KCCA Leopards staged a late fightback to edge Magic Stormers 67-65 in a thrilling National Basketball League Playoffs Quarterfinals game one on Sunday at Lugogo.

Margaret Baagala was outstanding, turning in a standout performance with 10 points, 14 rebounds and four assists.

With the scores tied at 65-all and just seconds left on the clock, Baagala held her nerve from the free-throw line, sinking both attempts to seal victory for KCCA.

The Leopards had to dig deep after a slow start, trailing 16-21 at the end of the first quarter and entering the final frame down by five. But resilience and composure under pressure saw them claw their way back into the contest.

Susan Becca Aanyu and Tracy Namugosa also impressed with 18 and 10 points respectively for KCCA, who are now one win away from a semifinal slot in the best-of-three series.

For the Stormers, Joy Nekesa Mupalia registered a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Auma Angella and Daphine Adong added 14 and 11 points apiece.

Despite leading for long stretches, the Stormers were undone on the boards, losing the rebounding battle 38-54.