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The Uganda Gazelles picked up yet another significant victory against South Sudan in the FIBA Women's Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers as they continued their quest to qualify for the premier basketball nations tournament.
The Gazelles were 73-54 winners on Thursday evening at the MTN Arena Lugogo against a South Sudan side looking for their second win at this stage.
Hope Akello again put up a dominant display managing 14 points and nine rebounds. Brenda Ekone closely followed her with 14 points.
In addition, Janen Jayo Otto collected 13 points, and Maria Najjuma's outstanding double-double of 10 points and 18 rebounds.
Uganda's 2022 basketball league finals MVP Rose Akon stood out for South Sudan with a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds—the only one with double figures.
The first quarter saw Uganda keep South Sudan at arm's length; at no point did the hosts feel under pressure.
Ritah Imanishimwe's buzzer-beater was the icing on the cake as Uganda ended the quarter 23-15 with an eight-point lead.
The start of the second half saw South Sudan step it up. With seven minutes left, Adut Bulgark made two crucial free throws, putting the score at 25-21.
After that, Nyamouch Teny's three-pointer reduced the deficit to one point (25-24), but the Gazelles were strong enough to see out the second quarter and win 20-7.
From then on, it was the Gazelles running the show, winning the third quarter with a 19-point lead (57-38) and calmly wrapping it up in the final quarter 74-53.
South Sudan landed in foul trouble with Adut Bulgark and Anegor Wol fouling out at the start of the fourth quarter.
The win was Uganda's second at the qualifiers after beating Egypt on Wednesday. The Gazelles will face Rwanda in their final game on Saturday.
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