Seven wins, one silver: Uganda's 3x3 team captures hearts in Glasgow

The Uganda Gazelles 3x3 basketball team made history in their Commonwealth Games debut, earning silver after a 21-11 loss to Australia in the women's final at the Scottish Event Campus Hall on Wednesday night.

Uganda impressed by winning seven of nine matches, with both losses coming against the eventual champions: a 9-21 defeat earlier in the tournament and the final on Wednesday.

Australia, the 2022 Birmingham bronze medalists, dominated proceedings against Coach Nick Natuhereza's charges, comprising Mellisa Akullu, Jane Asinde, Jamila Nansikombi, and Perus Nyamwenge.

Australia's Whittle Marena was the tormentor-in-chief, scoring 15 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, with 5 of her 8 attempts coming from 2-point range to help her side to the gold. Lara McSpadden added 4 points and 3 rebounds for the Aussies, who converted 9 of 13 attempts from the paint (69 percent) and 6 of 14 from 2-point range.

Akullu led Uganda's charge with 7 points, 4 rebounds, and three drives, while Nansikombi managed 3 points and 4 rebounds in the losing effort. The Ugandans outrebounded their opponents 20-15 but turned the ball over more, 7-3. Asinde was limited to one point but contributed 6 rebounds. Overall, Australia picked up more defensive rebounds, 11-10, and had better shooting efficiency.

Despite the loss, the Ugandans and the entire contingent were extremely proud of their efforts on their Commonwealth Games debut.

"What a race we've run. I would lie to say it wasn't our strength or talent that got us at that stage. Faithful God King Jesus all glory to you, Lord. Thank you for choosing us to represent your kingdom," Asinde stated on her socials.

"What just happened? Somebody pinch me... going down in history, nothing but God. Truly humbled," Nyamwenge added.

"What a time to be alive! Proud of you all for making history," FUBA president Nasser Sserunjogi wrote.

The silver propelled Uganda to 18th position on the overall medal table out of 23 nations that had managed to get medals after Wednesday's action.

In the third-place playoff match, New Zealand beat Jamaica 18-13 to seal the bronze. Sharne Pupuke-Robati was the star for the Kiwis with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

Anderson Azure and Ella Fotu each added 4 points, with 6 and 5 rebounds respectively, shooting 60 percent (9 of 15) from the paint compared to Jamaica's 36 percent (8 of 22) and converting 4 of 19 from 2-point range against Jamaica's 2 of 6. Uganda's Monicca Nassuuna was one of the referees of this match.

Basketball 3x3 results

Uganda 18 Jamaica 17
Uganda 21 Cayman Islands 7
Uganda 21 Kenya 5
Uganda 21 Fiji 8
Uganda 9 Australia 21
Uganda 21 Tonga 12

Semi finals
New Zealand 9 Uganda 21
Australia 21 Jamaica 8
3rd place playoff
New Zealand 18 Jamaica 13
Final
Uganda 11 Australia 21