A1 Challenge coming off a lymphatic 80:29 thumping of Amazon Rhinos would cause one to think that the woos especially as they came to the end of the first round had been put to rest, but no you would be thoroughly mistaken.
A1 Challenge came face to face with a thoroughly rejuvinated KIU Rangers side who were oozing confidence and ready for a fight.
Angellah Lokidi was welcomed back into the squad after sitting out the first round, as for Mugasha Carol wasn't available since she's abroad on official duty.
Malena Rassman, the German who was on loan, went back after her loan period expired. And its clearly evident her great ball handling skills, shooting and relentless work ethic is being missed.
To the game propa:
The first quarter was tight and low scoring as both teams were cagy and taking precaution with no side wanting to open up, however Team A1 Challenge was slow on picking up their defensive rebounds which at the end of the game was one of the areas they were outsmarted.
With the quarter ending 9:5 in favor of KIU Rangers, it was clear that this was going to be a closely contested game.
As for the mid-quarter action between the second and third quarter, KIU Rangers capitalised on their great shooters on the day and the fast breaks. It should be noted that their transitional play was key to the score board, because time and again, the A1 Challenge defense was consistently caught off-guard. With the third quarter ending 47:31, Judith, Jacquei, Slyvia and Moureen of Team KIU Rangers linked up so well both defensively and offensively and one could sense the belief in their camp, having had a great run in form, this 2011-2012 season, with the play-offs not far from their reach if they continue in this rich form.
Things went from bad to worse went Angie Lokidi got a bad knock, which saw her limp off out of the court. We don't know how long she will be off but she was settling fairly well coming in the centre a position she played pretty well last season.
And Liz Bazira fouled out summed it up for Team A1 Challenge
With Larretah and Doreen, being alternated alot by Coach Hamza, one is left wondering how exactly the substituional strategy will work out for them, seeing that the haven't really played for a while on court. Whether its an issue on match-fitness, we have no idea.
However, one thing has to be said, Doreen has to become alittle tough because against teams like KCC Leopard and Magic Stormers plus afew other boogy sides, won't let her play her graceful free flowing basketball.
As for Larretah, she just needs to settle down and be clinical in her offensive conversion rate.
In the A1 Challenge team, especially in positions where there are quite a number of players vying for playing time, when given an opportunity to play, the ladies ought to take it by the throat and shine.
A little worry is the substitution strategy of Coach Hamza, some have found it alittle worrying, which can't eventually kill off the little team spirit on match day.
Having said that, there are wrongs that need to be put right, especially cover for Liz' Bazira's role. When Liz is off, it's so evident. The presence and awareness she brings to the team is huge and when she's off the conversion burden is on the Point Guard which most times is too much of a burden for Khisa Mary or Mulwana Olivia depending on who Coach Hamza or Bazira deem fit to start with.
Defensively, A1 Challenge keep looking solid, with Okot Barbra, Fredrikah being outstanding, not forgetting Carol Mugasha who completes the trio. Having said that, another unused asset for Hamza both offensively and defensively is Slyvia who is an all round player and with alot of time on her side, her game surely will get better.
Bazira Liz lead on the A1 Challenge points with 21 points to her name, though that wasn't enough to save Team A1 Challenge.
In other related news, Makerere Sparks saw off sturbborn Nabisunsa in a closely contested game in the Makerere grounds 49:44.
DMark Power last evening beat Charging Rhinos 107:65, as Slyvia Kaweesa lead the Magic Stormers past Amazon Rhino's scoring a game high 30 points.
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