Basketball in Africa

Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo & Sande Bahsaija
Lugogo

RESULTS
Falcons 88-52 Power
A1 Challenge 51-44 UCU Ladies
Knight Riders 74-67 Ndejje
Livingstone 90-82 St. Michael

Tuesday will be remembered as the day Mogas Falcons returned from the dead to level their 2008 MTN Basketball League final series with a bang at Lugogo.
The record six-time league champions whipped Sadolin Power 88-52 to level their five-game series 1-1. It was a stark contrast to his no-show in the 85-100 defeat to the same side last week.

Falcons star Henry Malinga led four players into double figures. His 23 points were supplemented by Sam Obol (15), Isaac Luguude (14) and Eric Malinga (12). Joseph Ikong (15) and Isaac Afidra (12) led Power in a losing effort.

Keen to erase the embarrassing loss in game one, the Falcons were in total control, outscoring Power 18-13, 20-17, 22-14 and 22-11 in the four quarters thanks to the brilliant defensive work of centre Brian Ssentongo.

When Henry and Ssentongo dunked in quick succession to give Falcons a 60-43 third quarter lead, a heated exchange broke out between Mark Enabu and Afidra. Power’s full-court press plan had been torn to shreds.
“I am not certain that we will win game three but today we outwitted them using their own running game,” said Falcons boss John Ssimbwa. 2005 women’s champions A1 Challenge also recovered from their game one blues to dismantle Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons 51-44.

Olivia Mulwana led the charge with 13 points while Ali Mavita added 10. Canons’ star guard Flavia Oketcho was restricted to 12 points, a feat matched by Frances Nabulobi.

“We were very disappointed after game one and knew there was no room for error. The play was superb but it’s not over yet,” Mulwana said.