Overdose Up Station Edge Out ASB Makomeno in a Nail-Biting 59–58 Thriller

After suffering a tough opening defeat at the hands of CNSS, Overdose Up Station bounced back in dramatic fashion, grinding out a narrow 59–58 victory over ASB Makomeno. The win keeps Roger Dassi’s team firmly in contention for a spot in the Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA). At the same time, Makomeno’s winless start leaves them teetering on the brink of elimination.

From the opening tip, the Cameroonian side looked determined to prove that their loss to CNSS was just an early stumble. Their energy on both ends of the floor set the tone early, as they raced to a 16–9 lead in the first quarter. Overdose’s defensive intensity disrupted Makomeno’s rhythm, forcing several early turnovers and limiting clean looks at the basket.

However, Makomeno, who has a growing reputation as a team that will fight back, responded strongly in the second quarter. Behind the composed playmaking of Rachel Ngona and the inside presence of Laura Ilunga Kabongo, they mounted a 17–11 run, closing the gap to just one point (27–26) at halftime. The contest had already begun to take the shape of a classic tactical chess match featuring runs, counters, and standout individual moments.

The third quarter saw both teams trade baskets in a low-scoring but tense stretch. Overdose edged it 12–11, thanks in large part to the steady leadership of Sema Ekah, who kept her team organised while contributing on both ends. Her composure under pressure would later prove to be the decisive factor.

The final period turned into a slugfest. Makomeno fought back, with Belinda Okoth dominating the paint and Ngona continuing to attack fearlessly. They outscored Overdose 21–20 in the fourth, and with 1:04 left on the clock, Makomeno led by two points. It looked like their first win of the tournament was within reach.

But then came Sema Ekah’s clutch moment. With the game on the line, she stepped to the free-throw line and coolly sank both attempts to tie the score at 56–56. Moments later, Abigael Mbombo Kongolo restored Makomeno’s lead, but Ekah wasn’t done. On the ensuing possession, she rose from beyond the arc and drained a cold-blooded three-pointer, giving Overdose a 59–58 advantage that would hold until the final buzzer.

Ekah finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and five assists, earning her the game’s unofficial MVP honours. She was ably supported by Myriam Guiolobo, who also posted 16 points and four rebounds, providing key offence when the team needed it most.

For Makomeno, the loss was particularly bitter given their balanced scoring effort. Rachel Ngona led the way with 17 points, while Laura Ilunga Kabongo contributed 14 points and eight rebounds. Belinda Okoth added 12 points and seven rebounds, showcasing her versatility in the frontcourt. Yet, despite their efforts, Makomeno struggled to convert crucial possessions in the dying moments, a costly flaw in a one-point game.

The result pushes Overdose Up Station to 1–1, revitalising their campaign and proving their ability to handle high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, ASB Makomeno drop to 0–2, and their path to the WBLA Finals in Cairo now appears increasingly difficult.

If this game was any indication, the competition’s intensity is only going to rise. Overdose’s dramatic comeback win reminded everyone that resilience and composure often matter more than statistics and that, in basketball, the smallest margins can decide the biggest dreams.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/WBLA]