- KIU Rangers 60-46 Gladiators
Like Lioness who they gained promotion with to the National Basketball League, Gladiators are equally going to have a long season in the division.
After losing to Javon Ladies 52-43 in their season opener, Gladiators recorded their second defeat in as many game on Wednesday evening.
The side returning to the top division fell to KIU Rangers 60-46 at YMCA highlighted by going scoreless in the first quarter as Rangers scored 20.
Jeff Wamboko and Norman Disan the men in charge of Gladiators tried to put their house in order and in the second quarter Brenda Aujat opened the scoring with a lay-up and her side also scored 20 in the period and limited KIU to 6 in the process.
Rangers got their groove back in the third but this they were matched and he only undoing for Gladiators is damaged had already been done and they trailed by 7 heading into the final quarter.
Gladiators tried to rally back in the fourth but only came as close as two points (43-41) on Joan Irama’s pair of throws and they were out of steam.
Aujat’s game high 21 points and 9 boards could not save her side from defeat as there was no supporting cast. Esther Marion led KIU with 15 points and 10 rebounds, Doreen Namukasa and Fionah Apiyo came in handy with 12 points apiece.
Next Games
Gladiators will face KCCA Leopards on Sunday, June 4 while KIU Rangers will play Magic Stormers on Wednesday, June 14.