KIU Rangers Bow out of the 2024 NBL Contest
posted on Aug. 23, 2024, 10:46 a.m. - By Isaac Akugizibwe
KIU Rangers's incredible quest for glory in the 2024 National Basketball League Season came to an end on Thursday after the 58-43 defeat to UCU Lady Canons in game four of the semifinal series.
The Rangers have chance to grab a bronze when they face the loser from the other semifinal matchup (JT Lady Jaguars vs JKL Lady Dolphins) in the yet to be scheduled losers' game.
It has been a season to remember from this magnificent Rangers' team who finished third in the regular season.
"We are proud with what we have achieved though we wanted to do better than the semifinals. I have to thank the girls for the incredible dedication and desire to achieve better results, we really gave our best," team Captain Ines Kanyamuneza said post game.
"I can't forget to thank management and the technical team for the wonderful job done and our dear fans for always backing us," she added.
The Burundian international has been at the forefront of the team's incredible run, leading the scoring chart with a season average of 13.7 points per game.
"I thank God for this season and what I have managed to achieve for my team,It gives me courage to work even harder," Kanyamuneza remarked.
Amaniyo's Injury
The team's setup was greatly disturbed when Mary Moses Amaniyo got injured shortly before the semifinals. This forced Coach Julius Lutwama to tinker around the squad but could not properly fill that void and the team struggled in rebounding in all the four semifinal series.
Amaniyo was the team's best rebounder with a season average of 13.5 rebounds a game and the second best scorer with 13.5 points per game.
Her absence was a big blow to the Rangers but they deserve a credit for fighting hard to remain in the contest until game four. They also defied so many expectations including those that thought it would be a sweep for the lady Canons.
