Basketball in Africa

RESULTS (SATURDAY)Third place play-offs
M: Kampala 94-81 Juba
W: Mukono 66-50 Moyo
Finals
M: Mombasa 80-57 Mukono
W: Nairobi 67-48 Kamapla

Not even home ground advantage could spur Kampala to victory against a hugely impressive Nairobi team in the women’s East and Central Africa Inter-cities Championship final at YMCA on Saturday.

Kampala, fielding almost the entire squad that features for KCC in the national league, were humbled 67-48 in front of a small crowd as the week-long regional showpiece climaxed.

Nairobi team captain Hilda Indasi nailed 13 points and deservedly won the MVP award while Kampala’s Martha Soigi took the Best Defensive Player’s award. “Nairobi is a good team,” said Flavia Oketcho, who scored 17 points for Kampala. “They deserved to win and we can’t feel bad that we have lost.’’

The men’s final was equally an ugly affair for Ugandan fans as Mukono were subjected to an 80-57 thumping by a ruthless Mombasa side.Mombasa, led by eventual MVP Chris Abujo, dominated all the quarters, sailing 24-13, 19-6, 16-12 and 25-22. Abujo garnered 17 points while Mukono’s Naftali Msongoti grabbed 12 and was voted the best defensive player. Sudi Ulanga’s game-high 25 points made little difference for Mukono. Somali’s Hargeisa City got the Most Disciplined Team award.