A1 Challenge Knock Out Gladiators in the FUBA-Airtel In Round One Playoff Quarters Best Of Three Series 67:36

GAME TWO OF THE SERIES IS ON THIS FRIDAY

@ Gladiators Line Up; Mukoza Priscilla, Natukunda Ridget, Birungi Joan, Nambya Liz, Wefila Linda, Wafula Lilliane, Nanfuma Samalie, Nikuze Stella, Omoding Rose, Nansubuga Evelyne, Nabalende Linda and Lamunu Claire Gloria.

@A1 Challenge Line Up; Lokidi Angella, Kisukye Carol, Okot Barbra, Kassim Hatima, Nakazibwe Sylvia, Birungi Mariam, Mulwana Olivia, Nantongo Agnes, Bazira Liz, Kyomugisha Gloria, Mugasha Carol and Captain Ntale Victoria.

Having finished the regular season in the fourth spot, A1 Challenge set themselves for a play-off date with the Gladiators who finished fifth at the end of the regular season. Gladiators making their maiden appearance in the play off stage after the introduction of the quarter final stage for play offs, however, A1 Challenge are no strangers to this stage having won the championship in 2005, needless to add their several appearances in the finals.

Come day proper, A1 Challenge boosted by the return of Kassim Hatima to the squad after an agreement over the legalities over her and a few other players playing in the FUBA-Airtel league was reached.

Play offs in any sporting discipline is a stage where the creame’ dela creame face off and the finest of them all earns the bragging rights.

This contest saw the number four face off with the number five, and the face off which was bound to be a tricky face off, did not disappoint.

The first quarter was a cagy-show with both teams playing mean defense strategies and lack of precision offensively was the cause of the low scores. A1 Challenge had a number of chances to pounce on and so did the Gladiators but neither of the teams took the initiative to go on and set the pace from the on-set.

The first quarter ended 8:5 in favor of A1 Challenge.

The second quarter was equally a tight one to call; with the Gladiators offence trying to keep close in as far as the scores on the board are concerned. It however ended 12:8

A1 Challenge went on to win the third and fourth quarters 20:13 and 27:10 respectively.

It was a positive performance from A1 Challenge especially after a slow start and also more encouraging in seeing how Hatima Kassim, Slyvia Nakazibwe and Ntale Victoria were working together. It was clearly copy and paste from training routines to match day proper.

Also how the guard Nakazibwe Sylivia incorporated her pace and wizardry dribbles and threading passes to Carol K. and Ntale Victoria, was one of the highlights in the fourth quarter. She’s a real talent and she can only get better and grow in confidence.

On the other side of the coin, the to-do tasks will probably be precision in the offensive strategy, minimize the turn-over rate because when facing a more formidable opponent [no offence to Gladiators], you could be punished.

The field goal shooting accuracy from the 2-point area was 37.1% and 0% from the 3 point area. However, the shooting from the line was just over the 51% mark. Those statistics need to be hugely improved especially seeing the formidable outfits that lie ahead. And with a figure of 28 turnovers screams a word lack-of-concentration, because that can be the decider in a game, especially in these playoffs. Coach Jeff Omondi will be looking for ways of minimizing errors and creating fluidity in the team both defensively and offensively.

Gladiator coach Wabwire Disan, will be looking for a chance of redemption especially seeing the way the Gladiators fought in the first two quarters. Come Friday, his troops have to be ready to bring the game of their lives because they either have to win or they are eliminated from the playoffs, seeing their hopes for advancing into the playoffs are hanging on a thread.

Ms. Lamunu Claire Gloria’s defensively display will be and encouragement to Coach Disan seeing her blocks on Kassim Hatima and Ntale Victoria, cause moments of pondering especially in their opponents offense. Having said that, the rest of the team have to step up and rise to the occasion; Wafula Lilliane and Nanfuma Samalie and others have to show up or exit. This being their debut appearance in the play-offs, is not going to be an excuse for a poor show come game two.

So Game two is going to be a combination of defensive discipline, team-work, offensive precision, individual brilliance and heart. That in the right proportion will see either teams through to the semi’s.

Scoring:

@A1 Challenge: Ntale Victoria 20pts, Kassim Hatima 14pts, Bazira Liz 10 pts

@ Gladiators: Lamunu Claire Gloria 09 pts, Nanfuma Samalie 07pts, Wafula Lilliane 06 pts

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Game Two: Friday 2^nd November @ Lugogo Indoor Sports Arena.