Thursday, July 20
•Gazelles 78-61 NBL Select Team
Gazelles coach Albert Antuna said that the Select team gave his side a proper test after the two faced off on Thursday at Lugogo in a practice match.
The Gazelles won the match 78-61 as they continue preparation for the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket in Kigali, Rwanda due July 28 to August 6.
The Select team, coached by JT Ladies Jaguars tactician Suudi Ulanga, took the game to the Gazelles and asked them plenty of questions.
They trailed by just four points after the first quarter before the Gazelles put their foot on the ground to open a 43-34 gap at the halftime.
And the Gazelles never looked back, pulled away everytime the Select team threatened to peg them back before winning by 17 points.
“The Select Team has been very competitive, but we have been together as a group for just a week and it’s been the first time Jane Asinde play five-on-five with us,” Antuna said.
“Our focus has been on offense and tomorrow we start working on our defensive side of the game. But it has been a good practice for us.”
Jannon Otto led the way with 29 points while Melissa Akullo and Jane Asinde added 14 and 11 points respectively.
Maureen Amoding (18), Sarah Ageno (16) and Rose Amaniyo (11) reached double digits in scoring for the Select team.
“Offensively we have been good and everytime we won the ball we had an advantage, but the way we start the fast-break is where we also need to improve.
“We missed so many baskets, but I am happy with what I have seen. We have been working on three different offensive set-plays and I think we have been good.
“The energy has been good, they worked together and kept pushing each other. I love the connection and friendship they have built and I can say that they look like a team already.”
Antuna who worked under a 11-player rotation, said that he wanted to give minutes to everyone and see how they can play in different positions.
It’s strong to note that Claire Lamunu who is the only Gazelles player yet to report to camp, is expected to start training with the team early next week.
The Gazelles, returning to Afrobasket for the first time since 2015, are pitted alongside giants Senegal and Mali.
