- Zone V U-18 Qualifiers
- Uganda 81-68 Kenya
When Uganda took on Kenya in a tense Zone V U-18 Qualifiers first game on Saturday afternoon at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Everlyne Nakiyingi was the fans’ favourite.
The point guard kept the handful of fans in the arena going with her exceptional ball-handling skills as she split double teams and easily beat opponents with slow but sure crossover dribbles.
Nakiyingi who went for a team-high 20 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists played the entire first half as Uganda overturned the 2-point (16-14) opening quarter deficit to a 40-29 lead at the half.
Center Hope Akello put her size to full advantage as she made Kenya’s Mohlovy Akiny and Deedee Were (who both fouled out in the fourth quarter) work. Akello went for 20 points and 19 rebounds.
Brenda Ayere and Joan Namtovu contributed 19 and 15 points respectively as Uganda takes a 13-point difference in the second game on Sunday.
Kenya tried to rally back in the third quarter but were overwhelmed midway through the final quarter when their bigs fouled out.
Agneta Masalia led Kenya with game-high 21 points, Were chipped in with 18 points and 9 rebounds and Akinyi contributed 9 points and picked 14 rebounds.
The winner on aggregate over the two games will qualify to represent the Zone in the FIBA Africa Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
