Basketball in Africa

By Sande Bashaija
Kampala

FALCONS' quest for a sixth national basketball league title has hit a dead end.
The record champions on Wednesday night lost their opening game 64-69 to Kampala International University (KIU) and return to action today against Miracle, who started on a high with a 60-44 win over Charging Rhino last Sunday.
The Mogas sponsored team, romped to an 18-9 first quarter lead at Lugogo Indoor Stadium but could not absorb the shock with the scoreboard reading 69-64 in favour of KIU at the end.
Despite reporting late for the game, national team captain Sam Obol made tremendous drives and sunk in 7 of his 12 points in fourth quarter to help Falcons close an 11-point lead established by KIU by the close of third quarter.

Isaac Afidra (13) had shot thrice from outside the arch and Jeff Mwaniki once for KIU to dominate second quarter 15-10 but only managed 9-24 in the third.

Late brawl

Ugly scenes rocked the last 30 seconds of the game with KIU's Emma Shikuku and Emma Baguma (13) involved in a brawl with Charles Ssuubi.
Makmot Orom had a game high 19 points for KIU while new recruit Moses Ochan collected 12 as KIU beat Falcons for the second time in five league meetings.
The Malinga brothers Henry and Eric top scored for Falcons.
Fazirah Motoni's 10 points had steered Amazon Rhino to a 37-31 triumph over Crane High School in the ladies category.
There is no clear favourite to win this year's league title with defending champions Nkumba Marines expecting stiff competition from several teams.

Results

Crane H. 31 Amazon 37
Falcons 64 KIU 69

Today at Lugogo

Nabisunsa v Leopards
Miracle v Falcons
Rhino v Warriors

# posted by afrbk : 09:19