UCU Angels ended Prisons’ unbeaten run with a dramatic 46–45 victory in the National Netball League’s final match of the day at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The result handed Prisons their first defeat of the season after nine consecutive wins, including an earlier 59–52 victory over Buddo on the same day.
The thriller which was decided in the dying seconds, saw UCU strengthening their grip on the summit after overturning a five-goal half-time deficit before a dramatic finish
UCU lead the standings with 22 points from 12 games, having played three more matches than second-placed KCCA and third-placed Prisons.
Prisons, meanwhile, missed the opportunity to draw level with KCCA on 18 points, leaving them behind the second-placed side.
*How the match unfolded *
Prisons appeared to have the upper hand in the opening half, taking the first quarter 14–11 before extending their advantage with an 11–9 second quarter to head into the break leading 25–20.
However, UCU returned from the break with renewed determination, gradually turning the contest around through a collective team effort spearheaded by their defensive unit.
The university side’s defensive duo of Muzigo and Wesonga made an immediate impact at the restart, winning two consecutive rebounds as UCU opened the third quarter with four unanswered goals to quickly cut into Prisons’ lead.
UCU maintained the momentum, with their compact defence disrupting Prisons’ attacking flow. At the other end, their shooting duo of Nassazi and Namwanje proved clinical, converting the opportunities created by their teammates.
Their improved performance saw UCU take the third quarter 13–8, overturning the deficit to level the scores at 33–33 heading into the final period.
The final quarter was a test of composure, with both sides trading just three turnovers each as their shooting circles became central to the battle.
Prisons blinked first when they lost a crucial rebound, allowing UCU to score at the other end and gain an advantage. UCU then had an opportunity to extend their lead to four goals after an error by Abalo, but Prisons’ defence stood firm to deny Nassazi, keeping the contest within two goals.
With less than 30 seconds remaining, UCU lost possession after Prisons defender Nanfuka made an interception, giving Prisons a final opportunity to snatch a draw.
Prisons appeared to have done just that in the dying seconds when the umpire on the technical bench side initially counted their goal. However, the timekeeper had already signalled that time was up.
However, amid loud protests from the UCU bench and the crowd, the umpire immediately consulted the co-umpire on the opposite side before the goal was disallowed, with time having already expired.
The decision sparked protests from the Prisons technical bench, who approached the officials’ table to express their dissatisfaction, but the ruling stood, handing UCU a dramatic 46–45 victory.
UCU Angels Starting 7
Asacha Mariam (WD), Bakhita Josephine (WA), Muzigo Linda (GK), Nakiwala Barbra (C), Namwanje Maria (GA), Nassazi Bashira (GS), Wesonga Shanita (GD).
Substitutes: Ategeka Mukama Eyleen, Kwiyochwinyi Genevieve, Larica Lorna, Namaganda Eva, Nassolo Shamila.
Prisons
Abalo Carol (WD), Aitasi Evelyn (GS), Khadala Nashim (C), Nakibule Joyce (WA), Nakuya Aisha (GA), Namulumba Christine Kango (GS) Nanfuka Stella (GK).
Substitutes: Asio Divota, Awino Gellian, Bulage Saidat, Keneema Margaret, Nakabuye Hadijah.
Other National Netball League Results
Buddo 46–35 Luweero
Canaan 52–59 Prisons
UPDF 23–50 Weyonje
KCCA 52–44 Buddo
Dynamite 36–43 Canaan
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