APR defeat Magic Stormers 70-50 to keep a perfect record

APR defeat Magic Stormers 70-50 to keep a perfect record

The game got off to a slow start and was evident of the nerves between both teams. It took almost three minutes of play before the first point was registered. It was Ajah Akuak of the Stormers who broke the deadlock after her jump shot. The nerves then subsided and APR wound up momentum and enjoyed a 6-0 run.

There was a glimpse of what both teams can do offensively when Zainah Lokwameri and Italee Lucas exchanged three-point shots. Joy Mupiala then scored a layup to bring the game back to within two points. However, Stormers could do little about APR's offensive prowess when Kamba Diakité and Destiney Philoxy scored five quick points to close off the quarter and enjoy a 14-7 lead.

Sylvia Nakituuka finally dialed into the game with a three-pointer to start the quarter. The celebration was short-lived as Kamba Diakité dialed right back with a three-pointer for APR to keep the Stormers at bay. Both teams then traded baskets but Sylvia Nakituuka remained a constant variable during this run as she responded every time her team needed her.

Kamba Diakité continued with her impressive shooting from range as she extended APR's lead to eight, the biggest lead of the game at this point. The scoring lid seemed to close on the Stormers as they had a three-minute drought during which APR went up by twelve. It was then broken when Daphne Adong scored a fast break layup off a Kamba Diakité turnover.

Jane Dusabe then showed off her talent when she drained a long three that confirmed APR's commanding position in this game. They then went up by 17 points. Again, it was Joy Mupiala who broke this impressive APR run with a layup. This only softened the blow as APR enjoyed a 37-22 score line at the end of the half. This quick eruption by APR gave coach John Omondi of Stormers a lot to consider during the break.

Stormers responded positively and won the third quarter. This was ignited by their physical yet nimble defense and impressive offensive sets that got Sylvia Nakituuka a wide open three-pointer early in the third quarter. There is always a price to pay when a side plays really physical defense as they are prone to fouls. This sent Assouma Uwiyeze to the free throw line as she converted both and kept Stormers at bay.

However, this did not deter the Stormers as Daphne Adong scored two quick fastbreak layups and prompted an APR timeout. APR came back more aggressive as they fought for an offensive rebound that resulted in Italee Lucas getting fouled and sent to the charity stripe. The rest of the quarter was plagued with free throws as both teams upped the ante defensively. APR remained in control as they went into the break in the lead, 50-38, but knew that Stormers would give their all in the final quarter.

APR came out not only aggressively on defense but also just as clinical on offense. Stormers did not score single point in the first four minutes but managed to keep APR to only four points during that same stretch. Stormers only scored one free throw to break their scoring drought but could not stop the APR armada who went on a 12-0 run, extending their lead to 27 with less than two minutes to go.

In a last ditched effort, Stormers went on an 8-0 run to soften the blow. It was led by Ajah Akuak who scored six of those eight points, but the damage was irreparable. Charlotte Umugwaneza was still wreaking havoc in the paint as no Stormer could contain her in this final minute as she scored four straight points to keep the APR celebrations going. Sylvia Nakituuka scored a three on the buzzer to add to her tally and lead all scorers with 18 points despite a 70-50 loss.

APR continue their perfect run and prepare to lock horns with the hosts, KPA, to see who finishes this leg undefeated. While Stormers leave the competition winless, APR get one step closer to booking their ticket to Cairo next month.

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[Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]