25 September 2007
UGANDA : Marines Outscore Warriors
Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya
NKUMBA University Marines recovered from a 10-point second quarter deficit to beat Warriors 73-61 on Sunday evening and remain in contention for the fourth and last National Basketball League play-offs berth.
The defending champions remained in 6th position on 25 points but can make the play-offs if Mogas Falcons are penalised for fielding Louis Habineza against Knight Riders last Saturday and table leaders UCU Canons defeat KIU on Friday.
But should the boardroom decision go in Falcons' favour and UCU loses to KIU, it will be all over for Marines. KIU will instead qualify in third place, joining Power (fourth), Warriors and UCU Canons.
"This is the tightest play-offs race I have ever witnessed. We just have to keep our fingers crossed," confessed Marines coach Timothy Odeke, after the Warriors game that almost slipped out of their hands.
Warriors took an early 17-13 first quarter lead, stretched it and were up 26-16 with three minutes played in second quarter.
But a resurgent Marines propelled by Danson Ngati's triple three-pointers won the quarter 16-13 and took control of the last two 19-13 and 25-11 respectively. Reigning MVP Boniface Okello was on rampage, scoring a game high 23 points while Salim Ali chipped in 13 for Marines. Warriors' Joshua Etalu and Ronnie Kasewu combined for 28 points.
Elsewhere Michael Oling garnered 24 points as Vegetarian sealed their place in second division play-offs with an 88-62 victory over MBC Rocks.
Results
Lugazi 00-20 Planets
Berkley 74-55 St Michael
Nkumba 73-61 Warriors
Lady Bucks 59-54 Nabisunsa
KCC 78-33 Crane
Tomorrow at Lugogo
Lady Bucks v Mak Cubs
KCC v Nabisunsa
Miracle v Knight Riders
