Basketball in Africa

By Charles Mutebi

THE Nkumba Marines have a message for everyone: ‘we are still interested in the playoffs’.

Timothy Odeke’s team have been overlooked in discussions about which teams have made or will make the men’s div 1 post-season but, ahead of their clash with the Miracle Eagles at YMCA today, the Nkumba coach says his side are still in the fight.

“It is not too late for us to qualify for the playoffs,” said the gifted coach. “We just have to bring down two big teams.” One of those big teams is the Falcons, the other Miracle.

Brian Rugyendo’s Eagles have been soaring since the start of the second round, thanks in large part to the signing of Steven Omony. The guard has helped transform the side into a serious playoff contender in a short space of time.

In fact, Miracle will qualify for the post-season if they win all their remaining regular-season fixturesespecially the one against defending league champions Kyambogo Warriors.

In Wednesday’s games, Norman Blick sunk a game-high 27 points while Joseph Ikong added 23 as Power blew-out the KCC Lions 97-47 at YMCA. Michael Opolot netted a team-high 15 for KCC.