Basketball in Africa

By Sande Bashaija
LUGOGO

Tomorrow at Lugogo
KCC Leopards v UCU
UCU Canons v Rhino
Marines v Falcons

NATIONAL Basketball League women defending champions Lady Bucks could miss play-offs for the first time in the club's history. Formed in 1996, Lady Bucks have made it to all the play-offs.

But following a 60-66 loss to A-1 Challenge last Sunday, the seven-time league champions slumped to sixth position on the 11-team table and cannot afford further slip-ups.

Lady Bucks desperately needed the win against A-1 Challenge but Mary Khisa squandered two free throws with 15 seconds to play and Mariam Birungi's center court shot six seconds later was a little bit late.

“We lacked the attitude today and this has left us in a tight corner,” Frances Nabulobi, the two-time league top scorer admitted after the game.
Lady Bucks now have 24 points, one less than UCU Ladies and KIU Rangers. KCC Leopards are top with 27 points.

To stand a realistic chance, Lady Bucks must now win all their remaining games against Crane High, Amazon Rhino, Makerere Sparks, Nabisunsa and Makerere Cubs. But even then, that wouldn't be enough.

They must pray that KCC Leopards, A-1 Challenge and UCU Ladies beat KIU Rangers, the only team they can dislodge from the top four.
But senior player Birungi is optimistic. “We are still in contention. We just have to keep our fingers crossed in the next few weeks. Either UCU or KIU can falter,” she said.

Men's defending champions Nkumba Marines will also miss the play-offs if they fail to beat Mogas Falcons tomorrow night.

The unbeaten Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons are setting the place.
Kyambogo Warriors currently occupy second place with Sadolin Power in third.