Gazelles dominate Select side in trial game

Action between the Gazelles (red) and a select side (white) at Lugogo on Sunday | FUBA Image

AFROBASKET Gazelles dominate Select side in trial game

Ndyamuhaki J Emanzi 18:30 - 05.02.2023

The result was never the most important on the day, it was all about the team going through plays and defence sets.

The National women’s basketball team, Gazelles defeated a select side 79-62 on Sunday evening at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

The scrimmage was to complete three weeks of preparation for the FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers slated for February 14-19 in Kampala.

Coaches Nicholas Natuhereza and Ali Mavita rotated players and gave everyone in camp a chance to fight for a slot on the final team.

It was a largely one-sided affair with the Gazelles too strong for Roger Serunyigo’s select side.

The presence of Hope Akello and Bridget Aber troubled Annet Among, Martha Soigi and Faridha Kadondi in the paint.

Youngster Shilla Lamunu impressed while both Agatha Kamwada and Leticia Awor stated their claim for a place on the final team.

The result was never the most important on the day, it was all about the team going through plays and defence sets.

The National team led 13-12 after the first ten minutes but started to break away in the second frame.

The lead ballooned to 34-16 going into the halftime break.

To start the second frame, it was Angella Namirimu, Ritah Imanishimwe, Kamwada, Hope Akello and Becky Anyu on the floor.

The team kept changing every quarter. Shakirah Nanvubya, Imanishimwe, Kamwada, Sarah Ageno and Anyu started the third frame, which ended with the Gazelles leading 53-28.

Team captain Flavia Oketcho was only introduced to start the final quarter alongside Brenda Ekone, Maureen Amoding, Akello and Bridget Aber.

At the end of regulation time, two more quarters of five minutes were played and the national team presented two different sides.

The final team of 12 will start residential training on Monday.