National Basketball League | Women | Wednesday
- KIU Rangers 76-73 Miracle Eaglets
- Nkumba Lady Marines 58-84 KCCA Leopards
- JT Lady Jaguars 68-41 Angels
The KIU Rangers staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Miracle Eaglets 76-73 in a nail-biting National Basketball League clash at the YMCA Court on Wednesday evening.
It was a game of shifting tides, with both teams refusing to back down. The opening quarter set the tone for the contest as the teams ended the first period tied at 16-16.
The Rangers, fueled by a burst of offense, managed to create breathing space in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a promising 36-28 lead.
But the Miracle Eaglets had other plans. A determined third-quarter performance saw them swing the momentum in their favour, outscoring the Rangers and establishing a commanding 54-42 lead by the end of the third. Racheal Nanyonga’s layup was the lone bright spot for the Rangers in that stretch.
The final quarter turned into a gripping thriller. KIU, spurred on by the relentless Sharon Kirabo, clawed their way back into the contest. Kirabo was unstoppable on the night, notching a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
She was ably supported by Elizabeth Aguti Akol, who tallied 17 points, and Nanyonga, who finished with 12.
With the clock winding down and the game hanging in the balance, Aguti calmly sank two free throws to tie the game at 66-all. The Rangers then tightened their defense and executed on the offensive end to seal a hard-fought 76-73 win.
Despite the loss, Miracle Eaglets showcased their own star power. Mariam Namukwaya poured in 22 points, while Winfred Akello and Esther Loki Mpongo added 15 points apiece in a spirited effort that fell just short.
