Gazelles’ head coach Goran Lojo was astonished by his team’s response to their slow start in the victory over the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
The Uganda Female National Basketball Team trailed in the first quarter but responded well winning all the remaining three quarters.
At full-time, the Gazelles posted a 82-69 victory tipping off their doubleheader against Ireland on a high note.
“There was nervousness at the start of the game and I understand because this was the first game, a couple of girls were playing for the national team for the first time,” Lojo said in the aftermath of the game.
“It was also the first time that the team was playing against a European opponent and also the fatigue because we have not had rest days since we came here.”
“With exception of the first quarter, there was improvement in the second quarter and in the third and fourth quarters we had it all in our hands.”
“Overall I am happy with the performance and let us see how fast we can recover in preparation for the next game,” the Bosnian added.
Similarly, Lydia Babirye also noted the moderate tip-off, the reaction, and where they should improve as they prepare to face the same team on Monday.
“We started off really slow in the first quarter because we were getting together but I am impressed with the way we fought back and started playing as a unit in the second quarter with a lot of strength and conviction,” she noted.
“We should minimize our fouls, play with confidence and if we can afford that I am certain we shall get the victory once again.”
Skipper Jane Asinde and Paigen Robinson were on the top end of the statistics and it is worth noting that the latter is with the Gazelles for the first time.
Robinson managed 26 points, three rebounds and assists whereas Asinde put up 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists on the day.
They will return to action on Monday at 8 pm EAT for their final game at the high performance training camp.
