Lugogo Indoor Arena delivered a tense night of National Basketball League action on Wednesday as KIU Rangers secured a hard fought 64-60 victory over Victoria She Crocs in a closely contested women’s clash broadcast live on NBS Sport 2 exclusively on AfroMobile.
The Rangers set the tone early, racing to a 22-12 advantage in the opening quarter through aggressive offense and disciplined defense.
Victoria responded strongly in the second period, outscoring KIU 20-13 to cut the gap to three points at halftime with the scoreboard reading 35-32.
Both sides traded baskets in the third quarter, with KIU managing 13 points while Victoria produced 14 to leave the contest finely balanced at 48-46 heading into the final period.
The closing minutes demanded composure and KIU delivered, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter against Victoria’s 14 to seal the narrow four point win.
Captain Ines Kanyamuneza produced the decisive performance for the Rangers. The forward finished with a game high 20 points and 14 rebounds, and added four assists in a dominant all round display.
Deputy captain Sharon Kirabo also contributed 14 points and nine rebounds while Racheal Nambuya added 12 points to strengthen the Rangers’ offense.
Victoria She Crocs pushed the game to the limit but struggled with shooting efficiency. Bisoboka Naluyima led their scoring with 16 points while adding six rebounds and six assists, while Thelma Delane Toskin and Viola Nakazibwe each secured 11 rebounds as Victoria controlled the boards, finishing with a 64-52 rebounding advantage.
The Crocs attempted 97 field goals but converted only 24 percent, including two three pointers from 41 attempts.
The victory lifts KIU Rangers from tenth to ninth place on the standings with a 3-3 record. Victoria She Crocs, on the other hand, remain second on the table despite the defeat, holding four wins and four losses from eight games.
Later on in the night at the same venue, Sommet BC handed Rezlife Saints their first defeat of the season with an 83-73 win in the men’s game broadcast live on NBS Sport. Rezlife entered the contest unbeaten but Sommet controlled key moments to halt the perfect run.
Elsewhere, Nam Blazers registered a convincing 91-61 victory over winless UMU Flames at ABJA Park in Naalya while UPDF Tomahawks edged JT Jaguars 75-74 in a dramatic finish at their Jaguars Den backyard in Kira.
In the women’s games at other venues, JT Lady Jaguars produced a dominant 73-48 win against UPDF Lady Tomahawks in Kira while KCCA Leopards defeated Miracle Eaglets 75-44 in Naalya to hand the Eaglets their fifth loss in seven games.
