The UCU Lady Canons have secured their place in the National Basketball League Playoff semifinals after sweeping KIU Rangers, capping the series with a dramatic 57-52 comeback win on Sunday evening at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Unlike the series opener, Game 2 tested the Lady Canons’ resilience.
The Rangers came out firing, dominating the first quarter 21-9.
However, their offensive spark quickly dimmed in the second frame, with both teams struggling to convert opportunities as the half ended with KIU still holding a double-digit edge.
The momentum shifted after the break.
Sylvia Nakituka began connecting from range, Matrina Anyango imposed herself inside against Sharon Kirabo, while Zoe Atek and Shila Lamunu orchestrated effective fast breaks.
Lamunu’s layup tied the contest at 35 with less than two minutes left in the third, before Anyango pushed UCU ahead 37-35 going into the final period.
Rangers refused to back down, responding with swift transitions that fueled a 6-point cushion midway through the fourth.
But Coach Nick Natuhereza’s timeout proved pivotal.
On return, the Canons strung together clutch shots, Nakituka and Mariam Asacha drained three-pointers, while Lamunu’s finish under the rim swung the game in UCU’s favor.
With KIU in foul trouble, the Lady Canons maintained control until the final buzzer.
Lamunu led UCU’s balanced attack with 12 points, though she struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 6-of-15 attempts.
Nakituka chipped in 11, Anyango added 10, and Atek contributed 9.
For the Rangers, Elizabeth Akol and Kirabo stood out with 15 points each but could not prevent their side’s elimination.
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