Basketball in Africa

SANDE BASHAIJA & ZOHRAN MAMDANI KAMPALA

ON FOURS: Nkumba Marines’ Norman Blick leaves Falcons’ Francis Tumusiime on the floor during the Falcons Invitational Tournament. He could not save his team from defeat against Canons Photo by Ismail Kezaala.

Results
Falcons 88-68 Baptist
UCU Canons 103-93 Marines
Gazelles 56-62 Sparks
Warriors 89-86 G.Eagles
Yoday
Final

IF NKUMBA Marines don't devise a special strategy, they are surely losing their spot as the country's number one basketball team. The Marines have failed to beat counterparts
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono Canons in three meetings, the recent being Friday night at Lugogo Indoor Stadium where they lost 93-103. One wonders if they can break the jinx soon.

Though both teams made the semis of the Falcons Invitational tournament and could meet in the finals today, Canons on Tuesday proved they are the team to beat to the championship. Kenyan Eric Nyamai picked a game high 21 points and nine rebounds while countryman Phillip Odur gathered 14 points, four rebounds and three blocks plus a big dunk at the buzzer.

Though Marines are known to terrorize other teams, Canons have now reigned over them thrice. They beat them in the utl inter university league last year, national league first round and now the Falcons tourney.

“There is nothing special that helped us beat Marine tonight. They are just like any other team. When they ran we ran, when they slowed it down we did the same. And maybe playing hard that was the only trick,” Canons head coach Jason Melh said.

Norman Blick had a bad start, failing to score in first quarter and his team high 19 points, seven steals and four rebounds couldn't save the Marines.
“One day we shall get their trick once and they will be finished, Ask Power. Actually we shall meet in the finals and revenge,” warned Marines' captain and league MVP Boniface Okello, who collected 10 points.

Becky Ndibalekera scored 16 points and picked four rebounds as Makerere Sparks shocked Burundian outfit Les Gazelles 59-56, to book a place in today's final.
Ethiopian Airlines, Monitor Publications, Rwenzori and Asiatic Sports are sponsoring the event.