Basketball in Africa

Charles Mutebi
Kampala

UGANDA Christian University (UCU) Canons look favourites to advance to the final of the men's national basketball championships.

Canons made light work of the Mogas Falcons in game one and the five-timechampionships are unlikely to stop them from reaching the finals in their maiden season in the top flight.

Falcons were swept aside 74 - 49 but they will have to forget it and produce a stellar performance to level the best- of- three semi-final series.
It is a big task but Falcons' top star Walter Alenyo knows they do not have any other option but to fight hard.
"We have to give everything because we have nothing to lose," Alenyo explained.
But Alenyo said they are capable of a backlash.
"We play best when we have our backs against the wall", Alenyo said.
"Against the Canons, however, the chances of a comeback may be slim."

Canons have improved with every game and their organisation and pace proved too much to handle for the Falcons in game one.
Falcons' hopes will depend on their ability to outwit their rivals' pressing defence and score with consistency.
Meanwhile, the Lady Canons take on KCC Leopards seeking to repeat their performance in game one.
Although they lost 67 - 60, the Canons looked capable of snatching a shock win until the last minute. The Leopards had been expected to overrun them but the regular season champions were kept on their toes for the entire game.
The semi-finals programme is expected to start at 5.30pm with the women playing.

Basketball league play-offs semi-finals

Men
Canons v FalconsLions v Vegetarian(II)

Women
Leopards v Canons