Pearl Queens kept their National Basketball League playoff hopes alive with a commanding 54-41 victory over Magic Stormers to level their best-of-three quarterfinal series at one game apiece.
Having lost the opening game, the Queens responded in style at the YMCA Court in Wandegeya on Sunday, denying Magic Stormers the chance to wrap up the series and booking a winner-takes-all decider.
Pearl Queens laid the foundation for victory with a disciplined defensive display, restricting last season’s semifinalists to just six points in the opening quarter while building a 10-6 advantage.
Their momentum continued in the second period, with Scovia Akello finishing off a fast break with a layup to stretch the lead into double figures before halftime.
Magic Stormers emerged from the break with renewed energy, tightening up defensively and cutting the gap to seven points by the end of the third quarter.
However, Pearl Queens remained composed in the closing stages, with Djeneba Ballo helping seal a convincing 13-point triumph.
Akello starred with a game-high 16 points, while Rose Adhiambo added 10. Pearl Queens also dominated the boards, with Jane Chisom pulling down 19 rebounds and Agatha Kamwada contributing 10.
For Magic Stormers, Susan Eben scored 17 points in a losing effort, while Joy Nekesa and Grace Namuli grabbed 11 and 10 rebounds respectively.
The victory sends the quarterfinal showdown into a decisive third game, where a place in the National Basketball League semifinals will be on the line.
