Fox Divas Overpower Magic Stomers as Mashauri’s Dominant Double-Double Seals Crucial WBLA Qualifier Victory

Fox Divas Overpower Magic Stomers as Mashauri’s Dominant Double-Double Seals Crucial WBLA Qualifier Victory

In a fiercely contested showdown in Nairobi, Tanzania-based club, Fox Divas delivered a commanding performance to secure their first victory of the Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone Five 2025 qualifiers, defeating Uganda powerhouse Magic Stomers 68-55.

At the heart of the victory was the performance of Merycyana Mashauri, a star who made a significant impact in her second appearance. After a six-minute debut against Kenya Ports Authority, Mashauri exploded onto the court, tallying 18 points and 15 rebounds, a double-double, while also making six steals.

Evelyne Nakiyingi completed a double-double of her own, scoring 11 while grabbing 14 boards to complement Mashauri's spectacular show, as did Noela Uwandameno, who scored 12 in the victory.

Their stellar performances energised the Divas and proved pivotal in turning the tide in their favour against a wounded Stomers who suffered their first loss without stepping on the court. A uniform dispute, one that coach John Omondi termed 'unfortunate', had Stomers' day one opponent,  Gladiators, walk away with maximum points off a walkover.

The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams exchanging leads and trading runs. Fox took an early 12-5 lead, but Christine Namyalo responded for Stomers with a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 13.

The opening quarter saw the Divas narrowly edge out their opponents, 20-17.

As the game progressed, Stomers maintained pressure, stayingclose at 34-33 at halftime. The third quarter was a contest of momentum shifts,with Namyalo and Sylva Nakituuka briefly giving Stomers the lead. However, Foxresponded with a strong run, scoring eight straight points to lead 52-48 goinginto the final quarter.

In the final quarter, Fox's defence locked down Stomers,limiting their scoring opportunities and executing a 16-7 run that secured the win.The Divas' disciplined defence and crucial offence in the closing minutesproved decisive.

"It was not an easy match, but we needed this win and we gave it our all. We had many mistakes in our opening match and that's what we worked on. Personally, I think in the opening match I was very nervous, being my debut, but today I felt confident and I'm happy to have helped the team win," Mashauri offered after the win.

Stomers coach, Omondi, admitted that they had a shaky start and Fox were the better side at taking their chances.

"We gave them too much room and they have good ball handlers who were able to capitalise on that and attack the rim. It was also not a good shooting day for us. We have, however, picked valuable lessons and will come back stronger. We are here to learn and grow but we are ready to compete, which is the mentality we will carry in the coming matches" Omondi offered.

Divas continue their campaign on Tuesday against a tough APR side ready to keep their winning momentum going.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/WBLA]