Basketball in Africa

Saturday results
Men
Warriors 68-82 Rhino
Women
Stormers 64-33 Nabisunsa
Crane High 16-43 KCC
Division 2
Vegetarian 58-61 Diamonds
Division 3
Crane High 61-53 Jackets

Charging Rhino recorded the biggest upset in the MTN-Fuba League topflight so far by beating Kyambogo Warriors 82-68 on Saturday night at YMCA court.

Following a heavy evening downpour, Rhino emerged the faster and hungrier team, denying last year’s losing finalists a chance to dominate play until the final period.
Mark Opio led all scorers with 20 points and eight assists for the newly-promoted Rhino, who dominated the first three quarters 25-13, 20-16 and 22-9. Rhino have been impressive since their topflight return this season but victories haven’t been forthcoming. They beat Nkumba Marines recently but their win was cancelled due to using an unregistered player.

They also lost a close game to champions DMark Power and faded in the final quarters in losses to Miracle Eagles and KIU Titans.
This was a timely reality check for Warriors as barely a week had passed since they beat Power 93-80.

Eric Malinga aided Warriors’ late fight with 18 points on a night when they shot only 16 of 45 in the field in addition to 7 of 23 from downtown.
“I am really disappointed in the federation because the surface was very bad and no one wanted to hurt themselves. The court was not playable. It was like skating,” Warriors’ Brian Gumisiriza (5) said.
Rhino’s Walter Omony (17) and Fahmy Ssebatindira (12) ensured Warriors, who ruled the final quarter 30-15, lost their unbeaten run. Prior to the game, Warriors were the only unbeaten team in the men’s topflight.