APR Overpower Stormers 70–50 as Diakité and Lucas Fuel Dominant Run to Stay Undefeated

APR Overpower Stormers 70–50 as Diakité and Lucas Fuel Dominant Run to Stay Undefeated

The game started slowly and clearly showed the nerves of both teams. It was nearly three minutes of play before the first point was scored. Ajah Akuak of the Stormers broke the deadlock with her jump shot. The nerves then eased, and APR gained momentum, eventually going on a 6-0 run.

Both teams showed their offensive potential when Zainah Lokwameri and Italee Lucas traded three-pointers. Joy Mupiala then made a layup, narrowing the gap to two points. Nonetheless, the Stormers struggled to contain APR's offence, as Kamba Diakité and Destiney Philoxy quickly scored five points, ending the quarter with a 14-7 lead.

Sylvia Nakituuka finallyconnected with a three-pointer to start the quarter. The celebration was brief,as Kamba Diakité quickly responded with a three-pointer for APR, keeping theStormers at bay. Both teams then exchanged baskets, but Sylvia Nakituukaremained a constant presence, responding whenever her team needed her.

Kamba Diakité continued herimpressive long-range shooting, increasing APR's advantage to eight. TheStormers struggled to score for three minutes, during which APR widened theirlead to twelve. This drought was ended when Daphne Adong scored a fast breaklayup after a turnover by Kamba Diakité.

Jane Dusabe demonstrated her skill by sinking a longthree-pointer, solidifying APR's commanding position in the game. The team thenincreased their lead to 17 points. However, Joy Mupiala interrupted thisimpressive APR run with a layup. Despite this, APR maintained a strong lead,ending the half at 37-22. This unexpected surge by APR provided Stormers coachJohn Omondi with much to think about during the halftime break.

The Stormers responded positively in the third quarter.Their efforts were sparked by a physical yet agile defence and effectiveoffensive plays that allowed Sylvia Nakituuka to take an uncontestedthree-pointer early in the third quarter. Playing a physical defence alwayscomes with a cost, as it increases the risk of fouls. This resulted in AssoumaUwiyeze going to the free-throw line, where she successfully converted bothshots, keeping the Stormers in control.

However, this did not deter the Stormers as Daphne Adongscored two quick fastbreak layups and prompted an APR timeout. APRresponded more aggressively, fighting for an offensive rebound that led toItalee Lucas being fouled and sent to the free-throw line. A surge in freethrows characterised the rest of the quarter as both teams intensified theirdefensive efforts. APR remained in control, going into the break with a lead of50-38, but knowing that the Stormers would give their all in the final quarter.

APR came out not only aggressively on defence but also justas clinical on offence. The Stormers failed to score in the first four minutes,they held APR to just four points during that period. The Stormers finallyended their scoring drought with a single free throw, but they couldn't haltAPR's momentum, as APR launched a 12-0 run that increased their lead to 27points with under two minutes remaining.

In a last-ditch 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 prepares 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]