Basketball in Africa

Friday results
M: Nkumba 63-61 KIU
W: Mak Sparks 39-81 UCU
Today at YMCA
M: Warriors v Ndejje (7.30pm)
W: Amazon v Stormers (5.30pm)
Division Two
Vegetarian v Riders (3.30pm)
Kings v Gulu (9.30am)
Division Three
S. Jammers v UPDF (1.30pm)
Jackets v Planets (11.30am)

One result seems to have completely changed the targets of Nkumba Marines guard Julius Lutwama as the fight to get into the MTN-Fuba League play-offs hovers over the horizon.

A nervous but uninspiring 63-61 victory over KIU Titans on Friday night got him renewed hope and belief. “There are so many new players in the team who are getting used to each other,” Lutwama said. “If we get into some kind of form and go on a run, we will get into the play-offs.” Having started the season on the sidelines, Lutwama hasn’t really played like play-off bound but rather a relegation candidate.
To walk the talk, he must do more than the eight points and seven assists he managed at a quiet YMCA court. It should be the return to form of forward Philip Wakimwero that should please the two-time champions.
The forward had his second straight 17-point game. Marines played to their big man’s strength, pounding the inside where KIU found themselves smaller or an inch slower.
Abraham Juma Deng scored a team-high 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists but Marines were never going to be denied especially in the final two periods. The two were level at 16-16 after the first quarter then KIU took the second 14-7.