Rangers 64 A-1 Challenge 51: A second look!

AUGUST 5th 2011- SECOND last game at the YMCA court provided thrills and excitement for the fans. But no victory for team A-1 Challenge. What went wrong? Actually, there were good points to be taken from this contest. The final ten minutes however gave coach Hamza Nyambogo and his A-1 Challenge club, a lat of notice on what must be corrected.

First off, it is unfair to say that A-1 Challenge simply blew the game or just let it slip away. Give KIU Rangers credit. They entered the final quarter down 35-27 to a team that defeated them twice last season. Pulling this one out and exiting the crowd with a W was no easy task.

The Rangers saw their free-throw shooting come alive and their defense do the same. Team A-1 Challenge were the opposite on both ends. Coach Nyambogo made a very good point noting, "when you defend your offense is sharper. When your defense is poor you start standing around and stagnating on offense." In that final quarter the team epitomized what the coach was discussing. Their defense became a fouling drill and the offense nonexistent.

A-1 Challenge point guard and mentor Olivia Mulwana also pointed out a rethinking of the rotation is in order. She felt the call should have gone out to a few younger players earlier to keep the veteran' legs fresh for the stretch. Especially in this situation, playing for points into the playoffs.
Score: 64-51 KIU Rangers