Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Jamila Nansikombi cahrges past New Zealand in the semifinals in Glasgow
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Glasgow
The Uganda national women's 3x3 basketball team, the Gazelles, made history by storming into the final of the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The quartet of Jane Asinde, Perus Nyamwenge, Jamila Nansikombi, and Melissa Akullu will be remembered for reaching the final on their debut appearance at a global event of this magnitude.
Uganda beat New Zealand to reach the final
The determined Ugandans, who also feature for the national 5x5 team, proved to be a force to reckon with as they comfortably defeated New Zealand in the semifinals.
Led by the quick and skilful dribbling of Jane Asinde, the Gazelles recovered from conceding the opening basket to trail 2–0 before taking control of the game and cruising to a commanding 21–9 victory with 30 seconds remaining on the clock.
Uganda tactically avoided taking risky shots from beyond the arc, instead relying on aggressive drives to the basket, a strategy that paid off throughout the match.
When New Zealand attempted to close the gap with long-range shooting, it worked to Uganda's advantage as the Gazelles dominated the rebounds and converted them into quick scoring opportunities.
All the four Gazzelles came together in an emotional cerebration after the game as they made history
The victory was sealed when Asinde attacked the basket with Uganda leading 20–9. She scored while drawing a foul and calmly converted the resulting free throw to end the contest under the 3x3 mercy rule.
Forwards Jane Asinde and Melissa Akullu each contributed eight points, helping Uganda secure a place in the final and guaranteeing the country at least a silver medal.
The Gazelles will now face Australia in the final, with victory offering Uganda its first-ever senior international gold medal in women's basketball.
The last time Uganda won an international 3x3 basketball gold medal was in 2021, when the national secondary school boys' team defeated hosts Serbia 9–8 to win the International School Sport Federation (ISF) title in Belgrade.
