Basketball in Africa

University and Colleges League (UCBL) ended over the weekend in Nairobi with new teams claiming the 2006 crown in style.

For the men it was Kenyatta University while the girls' title was taken by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat)"Lynx".

The finals were played at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium. UCBL started two months ago and gathered a total of eight women and nine men's teams.

"Pirates" beat Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute (KCITI) 'Wildcats" 78-68 to lift the men's title. The women's crown went to Jkuat who also dismissed KCITI "Ladycats" 63-50.

In the men's category, KU raced to a 4-0 lead before KCITI charged back for a narrow 12-11 advantage. At the end of the first half, KU were still on the driving seat 31-27.

The third quarter saw KU take a 11 point lead but the losers fought back to tie the scores 56-56 with 4:36 left to play. The duel went back and fourth for a 66-66 deadlock at the end of the regular time.

In the extra five minutes, KCITI missed all their attempts making one foul shot as KU ran away with their first UCBL crown. MVP Griffin Ligare scored 21 points and Patrick Kirui added 13. For KCITI, Martin Okawko had 19 and Joshua Nuva 14.

The ladies final was all Jkuat, who dominated in all quarters. Emma Nyakwea named MVP provided 17 points, Monica Odhiambo 18 while Naomi Waithera sunk 10.

For the KCITI side, who trailed 19-28 at the break and had no answer for Charles Goro's finely tuned side, Jacky Tindi scored 17 points and Volnet Wanyama made 13.

United States International University (USIU) beat Strathmore 113-84 for third place. Abel Nson dropped 35 points for the "Tigers". Strathmore had 14 from Ken Shihundu.

USIU ladies won the women's third place with a 49-30 win over Strathmore. Brenda Odula hit 18 points for "Flames" and losers Lucy Apondi shot 12.

Alex Wright (USIU) won the men's three point shooting contest with Odula bagging the women's. Paul Ojuogo (KU) went away with the dunking trophy. Jkuat tactician Charles Gor got the coach of the year award.

Most Improved Players went to Richard Sinda (KCA) wnd Beryl Amayo (Strathmore).Most Dependable Players were Martin Okwako and Brenda Angeshi both of KCITI.

Dann O'Were