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Having started on the bench in the first game of the tournament against Mali, the Claire Lamunu has since replaced Maria Najjuma in the starting lineup and is delivering the goods.
The Uganda Gazelles made history by qualifying for the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket quarter-finals on Tuesday night.
Uganda defeated DR Congo 78-62 at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, to reach the last eight and set up a clash with the hosts.
The team performance was fueled by some top displays from Uganda’s key players, who have used the continental stage to leave their names on everyone’s lips.
Claire Lamunu
Having started on the bench in the first game of the tournament against Mali, the US-based forward has since replaced Maria Najjuma in the starting lineup and is delivering the goods.
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01:32 - 02.08.2023
FIBA WOMEN'S AFROBASKET Uganda Gazelles thrash DR Congo to reach Afrobasket quarters
Uganda’s full-court press in the second half overwhelmed Congo and produced the goods as the Gazelles raced to a 23-point lead in the fourth frame.
She was the most efficient player on Tuesday, her double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds a crucial part of the journey to victory. She added three blocks to complete her big defensive display.
Whereas the former National Basketball League and Zone Five MVP has been out of action for a while, her knowledge of the game and rebounding prowess makes up for whatever she lacks in fitness.
Jannon Otto
The mid-range feels like a layup every time Jannon Otto puts it up. She shot six-for-10 inside the paint on her way to a game-high 18 points.
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She also had nine rebounds and two assists to help the Gazelles book their slot in the last eight.
Jane Asinde
She seems to turn up every time she is in foul trouble. In all the three games Uganda has played, Asinde has been in foul trouble but often responded with big plays to help Uganda win.
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She matched Otto’s game-high 18 points in yet another strong display despite reaching three fouls in the first half.
The former JKL Lady Dolphins star added six rebounds and three assists.
Lydia Babirye
Having been named on the team as a shooting guard, Babirye is now comfortably Uganda’s starting point guard ahead of captain Flavia Oketcho, who has blown more cold than hot throughout the tournament.
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Babirye’s performance down the stretch against Senegal was key in Uganda finishing second in Group C, and she put up yet another exemplary display on Tuesday.
After overcoming a sluggish start that had her turning the ball over quite often, the 18-year-old dished out 11 assists to go with seven points and four rebounds.
Hope Akello
A big body off the bench is something Uganda has lacked in the past, but Hope Akello is currently playing the role quite well.
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She came off the bench to pick 11 rebounds and score six points.
With Melissa Akullu limited by early foul trouble and Lamunu not fit enough for long stretches on the floor, Akello ended up getting 27 minutes on the night, and she accounted for each second played.
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