NBL Payoffs: UCU Lady Canons sweep KIU Rangers to reach semifinals

The UCU Lady Canons are through to the National Basketball League Playoff Semifinals after sweeping KIU Rangers.

However, the Lady Canons had to fight from a double-digit halftime deficit to win Game 2, 57-52, on Sunday evening at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

KIU Rangers controlled the opening quarter of the contest which they won 21-9 before offensive production dried up in the second quarter in which both sides combined for 16 points.

Turning Point

While they gave away wide open shots early in the period, the Lady Canons found some rhythm offensively. Sylvia Nakituka found some range from deep, Matrina Anyango bullied Sharon Kirabo in the drive and in the post while Zoe Atek and Shila Lamunu ran good transition with the latter leveling the game at 35 with 1:24 to play. 

Anyango put the Lady Canons in the lead to close out the quarter 37-35.

The Rangers however were back in the final period more improved and ran quick transition for Djeneba Ballo and assumed a 6-point (45-39) lead forcing Nick Natuhereza to call for time. On return, the side erased the deficit thanks to triples from Nakituka and Mariam Asacha with Lamunu laying up for the lead and took charge thereafter with Rangers over the foul limit.

Lamunu finished with a team-high 12 points despite shooting poorly on the line where she went 6-for-15. Nakituuka (11) and Anyonago (10) also scored in double figures while Atek contributed 9 points.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Akol and Kirabo scored a game-high 15 points apiece in a losing effort.