Basketball in Africa

by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya

Today at YMCA
Vegetarian v St Michael 5:30pm
Riders v Miracle Eagles 8:30pm
Women
Lady Bucks v Leopards 7pm
Friday
KIU v UCU Canons
Lady Canons v Leopards
DMark Power v Falcons

Miracle Eagles resume their quest for a maiden play-offs slot in the MTN-Fuba League when they take on Knight Riders at YMCA Wandegeya tonight.

There is only one slot up for grabs and the Rubaga-based Eagles must hold off Kampala International University (KIU) and Nkumba Marines to make the postseason. Champions DMark Power, Warriors and Falcons have already taken the top three positions.

Some Miracle players, including Robert Mubiru, who returned to the side recently after a short stint in United Kingdom, watched helplessly as KIU upstaged title hopefuls Warriors at YMCA on Saturday night.

They knew victory for KIU would leave them in a precarious position and that’s why they openly supported Warriors. KIU’s victory took them to 25 points, one ahead of Eagles and both teams have two games left. Despite a massive recruitment in pre-season, Miracle Eagles have failed to perform to their potential. Yet, facing the already relegated Riders is a big challenge in itself. Whereas Riders won’t be under any pressure to perform, Eagles are aware that a loss tonight could mark the end of their campaign.

Having defeated Ndejje Angels on Saturday, Nkumba Marines are also waiting to pounce on the play-offs berth. Marines are on 26 points with one game left but still have a mathematical chance of finishing fourth.

In the women’s category, KCC Leopards have an easy fixture against Lady Bucks.