Basketball in Africa

IT is often said that it is harder to win a championship than to retain it. There is big expectation, pressure and sometimes the desire might just not be the same as before.

And today MTN Basketball League defending champions Nkumba University Marines are in a must-win situation as they take on record champions Falcons in game two of the semi-final play-off series at Lugogo .
Marines controversially lost game one 60-62 and to stay in contention they must beat Falcons and set up a series deciding game three.
Reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Norman Blick, started on the bench for the biggest part of first quarter and his side managed only 6 points compared to Falcons' 17.
To avoid such a scenario again, coach Timothy Odeke is expected to unleash Blick for his side to get a flying start.
Point guard Salim Ali, who troubled the Falcons' defence will combine with Carrol Bisereko, Boniface Okello and Paul Mwaka as they seek to make the finals for the second successive season.
Eric Malinga, Sam Obol, Louis Hebineza, Brian Ssentongo and Charles Ssuubi all had a good game for Falcons and are expected to be on the starting five.Despite struggling with a knee injury, Henry Malinga is also expected to play part in the game. Game one was marred by umpiring controversy and the Marines will in particular be hoping to get a rub of the green in today's game.

In the women's category, Nimrod Kaboha's KIU Rangers must also beat Lady Bucks to keep alive their dream of making the final.

Lady Bucks lead the best of three series 1-0.