UCU Canons Vs DMark Power 8:30pm A1 Challenge Vs UCU Lady Canons 6:30pm
After a week absence of league basketball due to zone 5, the Airtel National Basketball League returns this evening with defending champions of both divisions in action.
Dmark Power face play off regulars UCU Canons in what should be a thriller going by the first round match-up between the teams. Power (12-4) beat Canons (11-5) 74-65 on the opening day of the season. Power has lost two of the last five games averaging 65.2 points in those games while Canons have slipped once in the last five averaging 60.6 points.
UCU defend the key quite well but were completely torn apart by Falcons in their last outing losing by 30 points but just won’t let Power take the same route.
Power might be forced into outside shots if the quick transition game fails to pull off and Collin Mukiza being one of the best shooters of the ball on the Power team should have more minutes when it comes to this. Ben Komakech and Micheal Kojo sustained injuries in the zone 5 but should play part in this game as Power look to close up on league leaders, Falcons and Warriors.
Canons front court should do extremely well at the post to stop Power as well as being effective in offense to help Suudi Ulanga pile up the points to have a chance in this game as Power don’t have the best of form in the league and teams have proved power is a beatable opponent.
Mean while UCU’s lady side will face a1 challenge in the women’s division. Lady Canons are unbeaten in fourteen and look to continue as they have a big edge over all opponents in the division. A1 (12-3) beat Nkumba Lady Marines and will rely on team play to put a fight against the defending champions who have a multitude of scorers and are barely unstoppable.
THIS year's Nairobi Basketball Association play offs will throw off on October 13-14 at Railways Club, officials announced yesterday. NBA fixtures secretary Caleb Osewe while announcing the dates also revealed that the top eight teams from the two zones will make the cut. The league has a total of 25 men's teams.
The ladies category has a total of 11 team and only three last ones will drop out of the post season matches that will go on throughout the month before the champions are determined. Osewe said that he will soon release the cluster which will see the top seed play the last team. The second one will play number seven, the third to meet number six and four to tackle number five.
Meanwhile, Equity Bank thrashed Daystar University 65-28 in a one sided tie as Vincent Onsongo and Goddfrey Abuya bagged 20 points a piece. Joshua Okumu had 26 points as he guided Zetech College to a 56-49 win over Neosasa Morans. Little Prince beat Don Bosco 73-60. Old Pirates drubbed Our Lady Queen of Peace 93-61.
Heroes stunned Legacy 57-51. Woodley Knights won 74-24 over Deaf Kings. Strathmore thumped Heroes 73-24. Barclays Bank of Kenya torched Knights 55-40. Baraka Xtreme fell 49-52 to Multi Media University. Don Bosco were pegged down 77-70 by Moun Kenya University Thika. Dolphins beat King Deaf 81-25. Daystar pipped FOB Kenya 49-40. The ladies matches saw, leaders KCA University beat Emyba 53-16 and Strathmore University also went past Safe Spaces 40-24. Footprints beat MMU 39-26.
Basketball. A third place-finish in the regional tournament is not what many expected of the national champions. They return to league duty with a fixture against Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons.
Many must have expected more from DMark Power than the third-place finish at the recently concluded Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championship.
On the contrary, Power feel different as they seek a revival in the Airtel National Basketball League, starting with a game against UCU Canons today at YMCA court. “If we play with the same confidence in the league, we can do something special,” forward Isaac Afidra warned. “We came into the tournament in a slump but since this is playoff basketball come early, it will help,” his coach Bernice Ankunda agreed.
The defending champions lie third at 12-4, just ahead of UCU (11-5) as the regular season enters its final seven weeks. Power could also have the edge over UCU having won the opener 74-65 against the same side.
Small opposition UCU coach Nicholas Natuhereza is coming off one of his worst games this season, a 72-42 mauling by Falcons. Centre Desmond Owili was not chosen for that game over indiscipline. Owili should return in the one area UCU have an advantage.
The opposition is much smaller though Power are slowly addressing their size disadvantage. Michael Kojo and David Kiberu are playing regularly. There is also help since they signed Zimbabwean George Run’anga.
Ben Komakech, Kojo and Jimmy Enabu suffered injuries during Zone V but all three are expected to feature. In the early encounter, women’s champions and leaders UCU Lady Canons, on a 16-match winning streak, face A1 Challenge. The latter lie fourth at 12-3 and should return to the playoffs after missing out last year.
LIBERIA : K-Delta Forward Wants Unity amongst Players to Retain Title
Aisha Syllah of K-Deltas with the ball
Alsha Syllah of K-Deltas is worry about her team quest to climb the championship of the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) in the ongoing basketball league.
With several games to go into the tournament Aisha believed her team can stay pull the tricker, if her teammates concentrate well about the championship.
The Deltas girls sit at top of the female basketball table, and have recently dumped Destiny Queens 61 to 44 points, to book their last ticket in the ‘Big Four’ which Aisha was the most outstanding player in the match.
The potent forwarder, 10, who was very much instrumental in putting her team at the helm, said her anxiousness about taking the championship is intended to encourage her teammates to focus on the title.
The young and energetic player who started her Basketball career at the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) on Crown Hill was a recipient of laurels and is said to be admired by so many Basketball fans and supporters.
Some of the decorations, she received include most intelligent awards, highest blocker, highest scorer, highest assist and highest steals.
Syllah, who played for the female basketball team of Len Miller High School, and won prestigious honor, such as the most valuable player, in the Inter School Sports Association [ISSA] League.
According to reports, based on her performance at the YMCA, she was extended an invite and subsequently became a member of Supreme Sisters Basketball Team, during the 2009/2010 Basketball League. Syllah’s astute feat gave her the captaincy band.
Currently, Syllah is in the first team and has been regarded as “Delta Wizard” by her friends.
First division basketball defending champs, LPRC-Oilers, brilliantly shielded the title and were crowned for the second time as the first division champions of the 2012 national league of the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA).
Last season (2011), Oilers ended their six-year wait to win the 2011 basketball championship in sensational fashion, picking-up from where Uhuru Kings left it in the 2010 LBA national league.
They (Oilers) in the Best-Out-Of-Five finals convincingly dismissed the 2010 Basketball champs, Uhuru Kings, in three-straight games, which ended on Sunday, June 24, 2012.
With Oilers having won games one and two with ease, pundits wrote off Uhuru Kings in game three on Sunday, and Oilers proved supremacy and sailed through with 63 to 60 points.
In the debut Best-Out-Of-Five finals, on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, LPRC Oilers dragged Uhuru Kings 98 – 90 points in front of the golden (yellow and black) crowd.
In the second encounter on Saturday, June 23, 2012, Uhuru Kings also bowed 68 to 74 points.
LPRC Oilers’ second championship is owing to the marvelous tactical guidance of the the US trained basketball coach, who is popularly called the “The American Coach.”
The American coach, according from statistical from Sunday’s game saved the petrol of his starters by introducing some fresh blood towards the end of the match.
Coach Paul Hudson admitted that Oilers excellent defend-ness of the title is owing to the players’ hard work, determination and commitment.
For his part, LPRC Managing Director Nelson Williams expressed his joy over the team second championship under his administration: “I am impressed…am really impressed with the team owing to the caliber of players that we have. And wWe can assure you of our moral and financial support.”
Oilers won the 1998/1999 and 2004/2005 championships under the managerial sponsorships of Lewis G. Brown and Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr. respectively.
Elsewhere, K-Deltas and C-Deltas are neck-to-neck in the Best-Out-Of-Five finals and will continue the hostily this weekend.
On Tuesday, June 19, 2012 K-Delta pinned C-Deltas 45 to 34 points and then on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, C-Deltas rotated the score and thrash-out K-Deltas 64 to 59 points.
On Saturday, K-Deltas stretch-out their lead and on Sunday, C-Deltas again reversed the scored.
Timber Wolves won the second division championship by beating Ducor Magic 72 to 62 points in game four. The third division fray is still ongoing as the female division.
When Rwanda's sole representatives at this year's Zone V Club championships confirmed their participation in the annual tournament, every basketball fan in the region did not give them a benefit of doubt as potential winners.
In fact not many fans were sure which country they were representing until they took to the court and stunned tournament favourites-Kyambogo Warriors 72-56 in their opening game.
A win against Tanzania's Savio 90-51 in their second Pool A fixture made sure Espoir booked a berth in the semi-finals despite a loss to the reigning tournament champions Urunani of Burundi 68-66 in their final group game.
A one sided game against the reigning league champions of Uganda, Power 67-54 in the first semi-final game confirmed their official bid for a regional title and to say that they would predict the results of the final maybe celebrations would have started earlier.
Espoir outclassed, out-rebounded and outplayed Urunani in the final to an extent that fans questioned the Burundian side's presence in the regional final. Espoir outscored Urunani 20-14 and 24-10 in the first two quarters to enjoy a comfortable half time lead.
A further dominance in the second half 24-8 and 22-7 sealed off the well-deserved victory for the Rwandan outfit that showed maturity, excellence and revengeful payback to the Burundians who had defeated them just two days ago.
Eventual tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) and top scorer Aristide Mugabe sunk a spectacular 26 points as teammate Jean Louis Habineza dropped 24 points with seven three pointers in his collection.
Kami Kabange and Bienvenue Ngandu each dropped 17 and 13 points respectively to chock Urunani as the latter saw their title defense go to the drain.
Mugabe took to the social media revealing that this achievement was a realisation of his dreams as well as those of the entire team that had worked hard to make sure this dream came alive.
The last time a Rwandan side won the Zone V Club championships was in 2008 when APR clinched the title at a tournament hosted in Addis Ababa. APR also won the title in 2002 and 2007. Men, Final
Espoir (Rwa) 90-39 Urunani (Bur) Women, Final
Eagle Wings (Ken) 77-54 KPA (Ken)
After finishing third in the just concluded Zone V Club Championship – their best ever performance in the tournament – Fuba league champions Dmark Power have shifted focus to winning a third consecutive league title.
“With the type of character that everyone on the team exhibited, it will be very hard to beat us in the playoffs,” noted skipper Isaac Afidra.
Power came back from a double-digit deficit in the last quarter to edge Kenya’s KCB Lions 66-65 in the bronze medal match.
AFROBASKET U18- Senegal join African youth champions
SHEFFIELD (Julio Chitunda’s African Message) - Senegal U18 Men's National Team can firmly say that sometimes bad things happen for a good reason.
Not that they were happy with what happened in the past, but in just two years Senegal went from withdrawing from the 2010 Afrobasket U18 Men in Rwanda - for lack of financial resources - to becoming African champions last week in Maputo and being congratulated by the country's president.
On Saturday 25 August, Senegal's team, for the first time ever, put the country’s name among African U18 champions following a nerve-wracking 71-62 win over the Ivory Coast, at Academica de Maputo Arena in Mozambique.
Neither team had ever played a Final of the tournament, but both did brilliantly and clinched places to represent Africa at the 2013 U19 FIBA World Championship to be held in Czech Republic.
Both Ivory Coast and Senegal arrived in the Mozambique capital city of Maputo with modest track records in the competition, but they turned the odds around.
Throughout the Preliminary Round, both teams seemed just happy to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.
But as they progressed in the competition, they grew in confidence and caused big upsets by stunning traditional podium contenders Angola, Egypt and Mali.
When both teams finished second and third respectively behind defending-champions Egypt and ahead of three-times African champions Angola in Group B, it was surely an indication that this year's tournament was going to have an unusual outcome.
Egypt were probably the strongest contender, having won the competition two years earlier and also participated at last year's FIBA U19 World Championship for Men.
The Pharaohs were in a strong position to retain their crown, but things went horribly wrong after the Ivoirians came stronger in the Semi-Final wining 57-42 to avenge a 49-45 loss in the Preliminary Round.
Nevertheless, this tournament was frustrating for Egypt who finished unbeaten in the group stages with wins over Senegal (49-39), Ivory Coast (49-45), Angola (90-41), Morocco (65-47) and Gabon (78-51).
As a consolation, Egypt stepped to the podium with a bronze medal following a 78-54 over Mali.
Meanwhile, Senegal beat three-time bronze medallist Mali 63-47in their Semi-Final.
This year’s U18 Afrobasket Men was atypical and interesting in some aspects as neither Nigeria nor Angola (two consistent medal contenders) made it closer to the podium.
Nigeria missed out on the qualification to the Maputo 2012 tournament while Angola finished fifth.
Some expected Saturday’ Final to become a revenge for the Ivoirians after they lost 61-53 to Senegal in the Preliminary Round.
The new champions played with a wise principle in mind: don’t leave for tomorrow what can be done today. They deservedly secured the top-prize with a 6-1 record. This was Senegal time.
Not bad for a team that lacked financial backing two years earlier.
Another notable fact was Nigeria's absence. They are simply Africa U18 Men's most successful team with six titles. But they missed out on qualification after finishing third in the zone III qualifying tournament, behind winner Ivory Coast and Ghana, who later received a wild card to take part in the tournament.
Individually, Egypt's Saleh Ehab did not disappoint as he was named Most Valuable Player of the Tournament while Senegalese big man Abdoulaye N’Doye got the title of the boards dominant.
Coulibaly Boubacar Papa (Mali), Moatez Ali (Egypt), Emmanuel Oulai (Ivory Coast), Saleh Ehab (Egypt) and Abdoulaye N’Doye (Senegal) made to the All-Tournament team.
Thus, my question is: will Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s U18 national team - who withdrew from this year tournament - follow Senegal's example and deliver such success should they be supported in the future?
For now one thing is certain, at least three DRC players - Morton Kadita, Rodrigue Ebondo and Christian Kazadi - will show their skills at the four-day Basketball Without Borders (BWB) clinic to be held in Johannesburg starting on Thursday 30 August.
As for Senegal, their talent and passion has attracted so much attention throughout the times that the United States' Department of State in partnership with the NBA and WNBA is organising a basketball clinic hosted by Charles Watson of the Brooklyn Nets and former WNBA player Chamique Holdsclaw in the cities of Dakar and Thies.
Senegal youths are at the centre of attention as they will be the largest contingent at the BWB with seven players.
For the new champion, Senegal's newly-elected president Macky Sall sent them an appreciation message: “On behalf of the Senegalese people and on my own behalf I wish to express my warmest congratulations on the victory that you just added to the already glowing track record of Senegalese basketball.”
Surely what this Senegal national team achieved in Maputo can only be translated as a clear message to sport authorities: “Support us and we will deliver success.” Julio Chitunda
KENYA : Eagle wings return home with regional title
Samba Mjomba in Kampala
Updated on 28/08/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
Just like they promised, Kenyan reigning basketball champions Eagle Wings Basketball team returned home on Monday night with their heads held high having dethroned Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to win the 2012 edition of the Zone V Basketball championships. With the title, Eagle Wings now earn the sole ticket to represent the region at the FIBA African club championships to be held in Ivory Coast later in October. Eagle Wings overcame KPA in the finals played at the Lugogo gymnasium in Kampala beating their hot rivals 77-54 after leading 31-30 by half time. Samba Mjomba scored 17 points for the champions while Angela Okoth had 14.Hilda Indasi scored 19 points for KPA who will now shift their focus to the domestic title. “It was a hard competition but we were determined to prove that we are the best. Everyone played to their best and we now pray for that opportunity that will give us an honor to play against the best of the continent.” Eagle Wings’ Samba Mjomba told michezoafrika.com. Eagle Wings, a self sponsored club, has been undergoing tight financial difficulties but the players could not let the empty pockets affect their field performance. During their one week stay in Kampala for the tournament, the team survived on a shoe string budget but managed to win all their matches against some of the best supported clubs. “For us we had our eyes fixed on one prize, winning the competition against all odds and we are glad God was with us and he supported our hard work.” Mjomba added. Last year, Eagle Wings did not travel to Tanzania for the same competition that was won by KPA in Daresalaam. The team won the 2010 edition held in Burundi but could not raise the needed finances to enable them travel to Tunisia for the African championships.
Finals Results Eagle Wings 77(14/17/24/22) Vs KPA 54(12/18/10/14) Women Samba Mjomba 15pts Hilda Indasi 19pts Angela Akoth 14pts Brenda Agenshi 09pts Rebecca Serange 11pts
Espoir (Rwanda) 90 Vs Urunani (Burundi) 36 Men
Playoffs DM Power (Uganda) 66 Vs KCB Lions (Kenya) 65 Men
SEYCHELLES : Sylla’s monster slams in Cobras’ blow-out loss to Hawks
Amadou Sylla’s third quarter monster slam dunk was probably the only thing
special Premium Cobras brought into their game with defending champions PLS
Hawks who extended their win run to 14 games in the men’s division one
league. In an amazing
display of athleticism and ingenuity, Sylla caught a long fast break in the air
with one hand and jumped over his defender Neddy ‘Oye’ Fanchette before slam
dunking the basketball. There were no other major storylines in this match, only
that the Hawks could not reach the century mark for the fourth straight game but
still won by double digits in a blow-out – 90-56 – in Saturday’s double-header
at Victoria Gymnasium.
Before fouling out in the fourth quarter, Sylla scored 11 points and got help
in offence from Dan Côme (14 points) and Steven ‘Speedy’ Servina (12) but these
statistics were barely enough against a Hawks team who are firing on all
cylinders as they attempt to retain their championship crown with an unbeaten
record.
Centre Rodney Lozé came off the bench to lead all scores with 25 points,
while Fanchette added 16 and Nigeria Alao Solomon 14.
In Saturday’s other double-header, Baya finished with just four players after
three others – captain Timmy Adam, Liston Reginald and Faizal Naiken – had
fouled out, but they still beat Mont Fleuri Dawgz 79-66 to avenge their
first-round 62-83 loss.
Captain Adam and shooting guard Steve Denis finished with 17 points apiece to
carry their team to a ninth victory in 13 games for 22 points – the same total
as Premium Cobras and Mont Fleuri Dawgz. All three teams have identical win-lose
records of 9-4.
With a stretched line-up, coach Michel Malbrook will be without another of
his top players for at least the next six months after he refused to take a
drugs test on Saturday.
Steven André had the hot hands for the Dawgz with 22 points, but his double
digit scoring performance was to no avail as his team lost.
Big men Emmanuel Larue (28 points) and Emmanuel Jupiter (24) combined for 52
points to help their team RC Dynamics overcome a 13-point – 28-41 – half-time
deficit and outscore Angels 59-35 in the second period for an 87-76 win,
bringing their points tally to 17 after three wins and 11 defeats in 14
games.
Angels are on 18 points with five wins and eight defeats and they were paced
by Dominique Françoise with 23 points and Chabel Servina chipped in with 17.
Playmaker and captain Nigel Sinon carried MBU Rockers to a 72-65 victory over
Cascade Bullets, while teammates Pascal Bibi added 14 and Daniel Hoareau got 10
for their eighth win in 15 games played.
The Rockers built their victory in the first half which they won 36-28, while
the Bullets, who got 23 points from playmaker Christopher ‘Toto’ Camille and 11
from Sandy Julienne, won the third quarter 19-18 and tied the Rockers 18-18 in
the fourth as they slumped to their 13th defeat in 14 games.
In the women’s league, Anse Etoile Stars were too strong for RA Sisters as
they ran away with a 78-44 win – their 10th in as many matches for 20
po
Jana Malbrook top-scored with 22 points and her mother Simone Malbrook added
14 to help the Stars close in on retaining their championship crown.
Katrina Morel scored 13 points and Veronique Loizeau added 11 for RA Sisters
who suffered an eighth defeat in 10 games.
Centre Tina Agathine finished with 28 points and Jenita Toussaint added 11 as
HotShots beat Juniors 113-34 for their sixth win in 10 matches.
Laura Françoise netted 16 points and skipper Sarah Rose 12 in Juniors’ 10th
loss in as many matches.
Meanwhile, in a men’s bottom division, Razors edged AAP Brothers 57-55.
Third Place Playoff KCB Lions 65-66 DMark Power Uganda hosted this year’s FIBA Africa Zone 5 Championships with an aim to have home sides lift the men and women’s crowns but it did not turn out to be the case.
Dmark Power, the reigning Airtel FUBA Champions were left bleak by at the semifinal stage by the eventual winners Espoir on Thursday.
The side only had to compensate home fans with a 66-65 win over KCB Lions in a last quarter nerve-wrecking third place tie.
The Kenyan side was in control from the start, leading the first and second quarters with 21-14 and 21-20 leads. But Power fought back to return 17-12 and 15-11 scores in the last two.
The final minute needed Power to hold the ball but with 38 seconds to play, Isaac Afidra lost the ball only for the Kenyans to miss the throw.
Joseph Ikong scored 16 points while Isaac Lugude had 14. Only Ancetas Wafula of KCB (13) reached double figures. PAST ZONE V WINNERS 1995 Harare (Men) Posta KCB (Women) 1996 Nairobi Coop (Men) KCB (Women) 1997 Kampala Coop (Men) KCB (Women) 1998 Dar-esalam Coop (Men) KCB (Women) 1999 Lusaka Cobra (Men) Telkom (Women) 2000 Kampala Falcons (Men) Ogopa(Women) 2001 Kigali Vijana(Men) KPA(Women) 2002 Nairobi APR (Men) KPA (Women) 2003 Zanzibar Ulinzi JKT E/AFRICA 2004 Kampala Postbank (Men) Lady Bucks(Women) 2005 Dar-esalam KCB (Men) Storms (Women) 2006 Nairobi KCB (Men) KPA (Women) 2007 Kigali APR (Men) KPA (Women) 2008 Addis Ababa APR (Men) KPA (Women) 2009 Kampala Coop (Men) KPA (Women) 2010 Bujumbura Coop (Men) Eagle Wings (Women) 2011 Dar-salaam Urunani(Men) KPA(Women
UGANDA : Rwanda’s Espoir defeat Burundi’s Urunani to men’s Zone 5 title
Urunani 39 – 90 Espoir Rwandan side Espoir put a halt to Urunani’s tournament form, to clinch the men’s FIBA Africa Zone 5 Championships at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday evening.
The former, who had eliminated Kenya’s KCB Lions prior to the final, gave no show as they lost out 90-39 in a one-sided affair.
“We do not know what happened,” Urunani captain
Alexis Hakizimna, who failed on two attempts, told Kawowo Sports. The Burundian side was so poor on the day that their best scorer Elvis Hakizina had only nine points.
But Espoir were the side in control of the game. They reached the 20 point mark in all quarters, reaching 90 in total.Arstide Mugabe, who was later named the tournament’s most valuable player (MVP), scored a game high 26 points.
“It was determination that saw us through,” Christopher Wazayire told this website. “We started counting our chances after the third quarter.” he added.
APR is the last Rwandan side to win the crown five years ago. PAST ZONE V WINNERS 1995 Harare (Men) Posta KCB (Women) 1996 Nairobi Coop (Men) KCB (Women) 1997 Kampala Coop (Men) KCB (Women) 1998 Dar-esalam Coop (Men) KCB (Women) 1999 Lusaka Cobra (Men) Telkom (Women) 2000 Kampala Falcons (Men) Ogopa(Women) 2001 Kigali Vijana(Men) KPA(Women) 2002 Nairobi APR (Men) KPA (Women) 2003 Zanzibar Ulinzi JKT E/AFRICA 2004 Kampala Postbank (Men) Lady Bucks(Women) 2005 Dar-esalam KCB (Men) Storms (Women) 2006 Nairobi KCB (Men) KPA (Women) 2007 Kigali APR (Men) KPA (Women) 2008 Adis Ababa APR (Men) KPA (Women) 2009 Kampala Coop (Men) KPA (Women) 2010 Bujumbura Coop (Men) Eagle Wings (Women) 2011 Dar-esalam Urunani(Men) KPA(Women)
Ugandan sides DMark Power and KCC Leopards finished third as the Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championships ended yesterday at the Lugogo MTN Arena.
Men’s league champions Power needed two big defensive plays to hold off Kenya’s KCB Lions 66-65, losing finalists at last year’s event. Inside the final 38 seconds, KCB had two attempts to do a double over Power after the 86-76 victory in the pool stage.
When the ball hit the rim on both occasions, centre David Kiberu and forward Isaac Afidra were there to clean the boards. It was more of relief for the latter. KCB had stripped Afidra off the ball to almost snatch the game.
Offensively, Joseph Ikong re-appeared from his near-no-show all week to score a game-high 16 points and six rebounds
Tanzania: Dar es Salaam Teams Fire Blanks in Zone Five Basketball Tourney
ALL four Tanzania teams faced early exit after failure to qualify for the quarterfinals of the ongoing Fiba Africa Zone Five clubs championship in Kampala, Uganda.
The teams Savio, Don Dosco, ABC and Jeshi Stars who jetted out of the country early this week exuding confidence of putting up an impressive performance at the event were totally a poor show during the tournament.
The team failed to record any tangible victory as they were reduced to a mere bridge for other sides to get through. Friday's match saw Uganda's representatives Lady Canons and KCC Leopards through to the quarterfinals of the Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championships.
Both won their final pool games, beating Tanzanian sides Donbosco (83-50) and Jeshi Stars (72-41) respectively at the Lugogo MTN Arena. KCC finished second in pool A behind Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to book a semi-final date with pool B winners, Eagle Wings.
Coach Timothy Odeke's team fell at the same stage during the 2011 event in Tanzania. Champions and favourites KPA, who finished the group stage with a perfect record, will be UCU's next hurdle to complete the Uganda-Kenya affair.
However, the build-up to the semi-finals has been overshadowed by the eligibility of Kenyan-born Purity Adhiambo. She was on the team lists of both UCU and APR, the Rwandese team Adhiambo played for in the same event two years ago.
"It's wrong for APR to claim a player who has been here for this long. I spoke to them but they were adamant," Fuba president Ambrose Tashobya said. While in Rwanda, the MVP of the 2011 local season here, served a ban for featuring in Kenya at the same time, before moving to UCU last year.
The controversy kept her out of the opener which UCU lost 75-64 to Eagle Wings on Monday.
Adhiambo got temporary clearance. She bagged 17 points and 15 rebounds to add to country mate Lorraine Akinyi's 22 points and 12 boards against Donbosco.
After the game, UCU coach Boniface Okello was informed that Adhiambo cannot play any further part in the regional event. "This is sabotage because the Kenyans fear her," Okello fumed. Each team is allowed only two non-nationals so UCU opted for Akinyi and Adhiambo. In case the latter isn't cleared, Okello is hopeful guard Brenda Mbone, also a Kenyan, is allowed as a replacement.
"Whatever happens, we will go strong. Purity improves us so much. Only problem is that we have nine players so their bench is bigger," Okello added. Without Adhiambo, the dominant inside player here, Peace Proscovia, will carry a bigger cross.
On the lips of every Ugandan basketball fan right now is just one name 'Rwanda's number 8' for his name is not known among many a fan.
Aristide Mugabe inspired Espoir past Uganda's Power 67-54 in the men's first semi-final on Friday evening at the Lugogo Indoor stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Aristide, who played the entire game sunk a game high 26 points, picked seven rebounds and five assists to overwhelm the reigning Ugandan league champions Power in a game that was interrupted by a power blackout for more than 30 minutes at half time.
Espoir outscored Power 20-6 in the first quarter but a comeback from the Ugandans saw them score 15-11 in the second quarter. Mugabe, Jean Claude Habineza and Ally Barame combined to shoot eight three pointers in the second half to maintain a ten point lead the entire night.
Espoir dominated the third quarter 26-16 but it was too late for Power to claim this game despite their 17-10 lead in the last quarter. Kami Kabange's double double of 13 points and 12 rebounds and Habineza's 12 points was also crucial in this win.
Meanwhile, the reigning Zone V Club champions Urunani from Burundi stunned Kenya's KCB 76-61 in the second semi-final on the same night to book a berth in the final and defend their title.
Espoir will have to overcome Urunani in the final to clinch their first regional title in the history of the club. Zone V Club Basketball Champs Semi-finals, men
Espoir (Rwa) 67-54 Power (Uga) Semi-finals, women
Eagle Wings 76-44 KCCA
KPA 73-44 UCU Today
Final, Men
Espoir vs Urunani (Bur) Women
Eagle Wings vs KPA
AN all Kenyan women's finals looms in the Fiba Africa Zone Five club championships at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Kampala tomorrow.
Reigning women champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Eagle Wings avoided each other in the semi finals due to be played yesterday. KPA topped pool A while Wings emerged the best in pool B.
KPA whipped Berco of Burundi 81-44 Hilda Indasi scored 21 and Yvonne Akinyi hit 17. They were due to play Uganda Christian University (UCU) in the semis. Wings were to meet Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) in the other semis. KCB Lions also continued their dominant show hitting D Mark Power of Uganda 86-70 to romp into the semis. Tobias Onyango nailed 28 points. The bankers were to take on reigning men champions Urunani of Burundi.
In other games, UCU beat Don Bosco 83-51 with the Kenyan duo of Loraine Akinyi and Purity Auma scoring 22 and 17. Saida Ahmed had 12 for Don Bosco. Savio lost 51-90 to Espoir of Rwanda. Makani Majija nailed 13 points for the Tanzanians while Muhire Jacques had 22 points and Kabangu Kami 20 for the Rwandese.
Meanwhile Mombasa' clubs are set to battle it out in the ongoing Coast basketball league whose action shifts from the High Level court in Docks to Buxton this weekend. Coast Basketball Association chairman Ali Hilmy said yesterday the change in venue is meant to break the monotony of using one court and also make full use of the new Buxton Hawks home court.
Hilmy praised the standard of the Buxton court which was officially launched by former Tourism MP Najib Balala three months ago and was funded by Mvita CDF funds to the tune of Sh 900,000. "This weekend's programme is one of the major happenings on the new court which meets the standards of such high profile events like the league," he said.
All the five matches expected today involve clubs save for the last game of the day which features Mombasa Polytechnic University College and Kisauni Kings. High flying Makupa Lakers will clash with the hosts, Buxton Hawks in the opening match of the day. This paves the way for another high profile battle between Kiembeni and Congo Nets. The day will close with Tumaini Takers taking on Gorofani Raptors before Coast Kings go head to head with Mtopanga.
Napsa lost to Green Buffaloe's in an crunch encounter at the OYDC complex this afternoon.Final score 75-74.In Kabwe the news is Lcc went down to Kabwe Legends 79-69 and now it is very interesting at the bottom of the table as the 3 teams namely Hawks, Spartans and Kabwe Legends are all on two wins.Spartans and Hawks have to travel to Kabwe to play Legends.The big question is who will survive?
Tomorrow Magic take on Hawks and Spartans take it to the court vs National Champions Heroes Play United.
KENYA : Kenyan affair as KPA and Eagle Wings book finals date
KPA VS Eagle Wings
Updated on 24/08/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
As predicted, it will be a Kenyan affair on Saturday in the finals of the regional basketball championships when women regional defending champions KPA play Eagle Wings who are the reigning Kenyan champions in Kampala.
The winner of the tournament will represent Zone 5 at the FIBA African basketball championships later in the year.
In the first semi finals, Hilda Indasi was in blistering form for her side KPA scoring 23 points and supported by Yvonne Akinyi’s 10 points as the defending champions easily brushed aside Uganda’s Christian University 73-44.
Samba Mjomba and Angela Okoth both collected 17 points for their side Eagle Wings that also defeated KCCA from Uganda 76- 44 to set date with their Kenyan arch rivals KPA in the finals.
Eagle Wings missed last year’s championships held in Dare salaam.
In the men’s edition, KCB crashed out in the semi finals after losing to Urunani 61-76. RESULTS. KPA 73 (KE) (19/18/14/22) Vs UCU(Uganda) 44 (14/11/11/08) Hilda Indasi 23pts Loraine Akinyi 12pts Yvonne Akinyi 10pts
Tanzania: Sprite Slam NBA Camp Kicks Off in Dar es Salaam
TANZANIAN professional basketball player, Hasheem Thabeet, currently with the Oklahoma City Thunder and fellow NBA player for the Chicago Bulls Luol Deng, on Friday embarked on a two-day Sprite Slam Basketball Camp at the Don Bosco, Upanga, in Dar es Salaam.
The camp has brought together 200 youngsters drawn from selected secondary schools in the region of Dar es Salaam and aims at identifying talent and promoting basketball in Tanzania. This is the second training bonanza sponsored by Sprite this year following a regional clinic that was held at the same venue in June under the tutelage of Hasheem Thabeet.
Thabeet who is the first Tanzanian-born player to be drafted by an NBA team, has shown enormous potential and recently signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) in July 2012. Before joining the OKC, Hasheem played for Memphis Grizzlies (NBA), Dakota Wizards (NBA D-League), Houston Rockets (NBA), Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA D-League) and Portland Trail Blazers (NBA).
Luol Deng, from Sudanese origin and a recent Olympian, arrived in Dar es Salaam yesterday and expressed his excitement at Sprite and the NBA's invitation to be involved in the youth basketball development programme in Tanzania.
Along with Deng, Hasheem joins his fellow OKC teammate at OKC, Serge Ibaka who is participating in the Sprite Slam Basketball Camp in Congo, to share their skills with basketball youth from the African continent. "Sprite is particularly happy to be involved in the youth basketball program.
It is our sincere hope that our partnership with the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) and the NBA will help to expose talented basketball players and become part and parcel of a successful basketball story in Tanzania", said Brand Manager Coca-Cola Tanzania Salome Mabirizi.
Speaking at the launch of the two-day clinic, Assistant TBF Secretary General Michael Maluwe commended Sprite for their commitment to develop the game through various basketball activities. "I would like to thank Sprite for its continued commitment to grassroots basketball.
I have no doubt that these young players in Tanzania, will make the most of the opportunity here in Dar es Salaam to improve their skill sets under the guidance of NBA players and development coaches," said NBA Vice President for Development in Africa, Amadou Gallo Fall.
"I am pleased that we have some of our top NBA talent in the form of both Hasheem Thabeet and Luol Deng, at this Sprite Slam camp in Tanzania."
Nigeria: Winning Nations Cup is Hard Work - Ahmedu
Proprietor Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos, Col Sam Ahmedu (retd)has warned basketball authorities and the Nigerian national basketball team just back from the Olympics not to be carried away by the exploits of playing in the games to mean it can win the next Nations Cup.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP WEEKEND SPORTS, he said the Olympics is a different ball game from the African championship. "Angola, Tunisia and host Cote d'Ivoire will be a force and we must not write them off. That we qualified for the Olympics does not mean that we will stroll to pick the African title. We must work hard, get proper and work as a team.
Olympics is a different stage and the African championship is completely a different ball game. We have room to be the best but we must work hard and all hands must be on deck because there are no short cuts. And are we ready to play the politics? We need more people in the international bodies."
The FIBA Africa committee member warned that Angola which did not qualify for the Olympics is still a force in the continent.
"Angola did not qualify for the Olympics but still ahead of Nigeria in the world ranking although Nigeria has leapt from 21 to 17.
Angola is 15th on the ranking, so we must be wary of them and prepare well especially now that everyone knows us. Tunisia, current African champions are still there with all their home grown players who have commitment with their federations.
Because they are all at home it will be easy for their federation to stop the league and concentrate on the players for the national assignment, but the bulk of our players are not ours which means we will bank on crash programme."
He said because of the dynamics of the situation, he will recommend emphasis on foreign players with few local boys because every time we have done well was when they were combined effectively.
UGANDA : Urunani date Rwanda’s Espoir in men’s Zone 5 final
Although power went off at the Lugogo Arena last night, the lights were back on and the second men’s semifinal of the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Championship was ably completed.
It was Burundian side Urunani who played a high quality game to win 76-61 over Kenyan side KCB Lions, a repeat of last year’s final.
Urunani, the titleholders were superb in movement,
coordination and passing of the ball. They executed so many throws that earned them the result on the evening.
But it will be an affair less Ugandan sides. DMark Power failed to reach the final after they fell to Rwandan side Espoir in 67-54 loss. From the start, they trailed 20-5 in the first quarter. Espoir Aristide Mugabe scored 26 points, the highest in the games.
“This time round, we managed to move out of the group and we are progressing. We did our best” Isaac Afidra who scored 11 points, the highest for Power, said.
DMARK Powers Isaac Lugudde (L) drives past Ndejjes Henry Mugisha recently at YMCA. PHOTO/Michael Nsubuga
By Charles Mutebi Today: FIBA Zone Five Club Championship semi-finals Venue: MTN Arena Ahead of today’s semifinals of the 2012 FIBA Zone Five club championships, the main reason for the underwhelming turn up of supporters hitherto remains unclear. Maybe today’s high-profile matches, featuring some of Uganda’s finest clubs, will bring out the fans. Maybe they won’t. Whatever happens, one thing can be confidently said. The 2009 edition, which Uganda also hosted, was way more successful in as much as it attracted greater attendances. Several reasons can be advanced for the dramatic dip in fan numbers three years later: first, the view of host federation and local basketball governing body president Ambrose Tashobya. “I think the publicity has a lot to do with it,” the FUBA boss told New Vision. “At the start of the tournament, it wasn’t clear to some people whether the games would be held at the indoor stadium (MTN Arena) or not. “I mean on the opening day, some media reported that the stadium would not be available and yet it was. So fans have been confused and until today, I get calls of people asking me whether games are at Makerere or YMCA.” Three years ago, Makerere and especially the YMCA were the venues for the highly-attended event. This year it has mainly been the MTN Arena, with Makerere being used very sparingly. But the other change, and this could be the actual reason for the small crowds, is the entrance charges. This year a ticket costs sh10,000 whether the fan wants to watch all the day’s games or one at the Arena.
The disappointments of the past two Airtel National Basketball League finals forced Warriors to do something fundmental about their roster.
THURSDAY RESULTS -ZONE V Warriors 85-82 Urunani (OT) Power 76-86 KCB TODAY AT MAKERERE - PLAYOFFS 5/6: Warriors vs. ABC (6pm) 7/8: Savio vs. S. Sudan (2pm) WOMEN - PLAY OFFS 5/6: Berco vs. Donbosco (4pm) 7th PLACE: Jeshi Stars KAMPALA. Norman Blick (Miracle Eagles) and Cyrus Kiviiri (Ndejje University Angels) were acquired not do more than stem the rot. “We want to build a team that can qualify for the Afrobasket,” Ambrose Tashobya, the Warriors patron, told this newspaper back in April.
That dream required winning the ongoing Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championship. It was crashed inside just four days at the Lugogo MTN Arena. Warriors, Zone V finalists from 2009 here, were knocked despite winning two pool games. They had a tough draw but the problem is bigger than that.
An abysmal 72-56 loss to Rwanda’s Espoir on Monday crowned a very slow start. A 71-59 win over Savio was expected since the Tanzanians lost all their games. Up-stepped the champions Urunani and Warriors edged them 85-82 in overtime, falling seven points short of the needed margin.
Blick sunk two free throws with 3.2 seconds to play to mask his seven points, nine rebounds and 10 turnovers to hand Warriors a lifeline. Thereafter, he fouled out.
Coach Mandy Juruni knows they fell way short of their minimum standards especially in the opener. “The hoops were alien to us. Practice there prior to the tournament would have made a difference,” Kiviiri, scorer of 25 points against Urunani, noted. The soul searching for Juruni is multi-faceted.
Centre Sam Gombya is far from the finished product. Blick remains off-colour and Ivan Enabu, 18 points on Thursday, still needs work. The absence of Eric Malinga is being felt too. Zone V is playoffs come early. Kiviiri showed his ready but Juruni seems far from prepared.
UGANDA : FIBA Africa Zone 5: UCU, KCCA in tough semi-final action
KPA (Ke) Vs UCU Lady Canons (Ug) 2:00pm Eagle Wings (Ke) Vs KCCA Leopards (Ug) 4:00pm
Local representative in the zone 5, UCU Lady Canons and KCCA Leopards needed to win the final games in the groups to move on to the next stage of the competition.
Lady Canons beat Don Bosco 83-50 and Leopards beat Jeshi Stars 72-41 to set up a Uganda-Kenya
semi final. Four Lady Canons, Peace Proscovia, Lorene Akinyi, Peace Nakirijja and Purity Adhiambo who missed out the opener due to her eligibility to play scored in double figures.
UCU lady canons will play KPA, also defending champions who kept allowed KCCA just 24 points. The Kenyan side has got a plethora of good ball handlers who don’t easily give up possession and play a quick transition game that always finds Zainab Ramadhan at the end to finish it off.
Along with Hilda Hindasi and Irene Moragwa, the trio will give lady canons trouble at the defensive end. KPA averaged 73 points in the group, something UCU’s coach Boniface Okello has to think about especially if Adhiambo is not cleared to play. At this stage, every possession counts and Lady Canons have to take effective use.
Meanwhile, KCCA Leopards are even in a tougher fixture. They face Eagle Wings, a side that has scored at least 75 points in each game and arguably the best offensive team in the competition so far going by statistics.
With Rose Atieno playing MVP kind of basketball, KCCA will have no option but double her up at times to shut her out. Atieno along with Mjomba Samba run eagle wings’ offense.
Flavia Okecho, Joyce Zalwango and Martha Soigi have to put the figures as well as Carol Nantalo and Carol Badaru chipping in with a few to see Timothy Odeke’s side to the finals.
Ahead of today's semifinals of the 2012 FIBA Zone Five club championships, the main reason for the underwhelming turn up of supporters hitherto remains unclear.
Maybe today's high-profile matches, featuring some of Uganda's finest clubs, will bring out the fans. Maybe they won't.
Whatever happens, one thing can be confidently said. The 2009 edition, which Uganda also hosted, was way more successful in as much as it attracted greater attendances.
Several reasons can be advanced for the dramatic dip in fan numbers three years later: first, the view of host federation and local basketball governing body president Ambrose Tashobya.
"I think the publicity has a lot to do with it," the FUBA boss told New Vision.
"At the start of the tournament, it wasn't clear to some people whether the games would be held at the indoor stadium (MTN Arena) or not.
"I mean on the opening day, some media reported that the stadium would not be available and yet it was. So fans have been confused and until today, I get calls of people asking me whether games are at Makerere or YMCA."
Three years ago, Makerere and especially the YMCA were the venues for the highly-attended event. This year it has mainly been the MTN Arena, with Makerere being used very sparingly.
But the other change, and this could be the actual reason for the small crowds, is the entrance charges. This year a ticket costs sh10,000 whether the fan wants to watch all the day's games or one at the Arena. Today: FIBA Zone Five Club Championship semi-finals Venue: MTN Arena
Basketball. Purity Adiamho has been expelled from the tournament for registering for two teams.
Uganda’s representatives Lady Canons and KCC Leopards are through to the semifinals of the Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championships.
Both won their final pool games yesterday, beating Tanzanian sides Donbosco (83-50) and Jeshi Stars (72-41) respectively at the Lugogo MTN Arena. KCC finished second in pool A behind Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to book a semifinal date with pool B winners, Eagle Wings. Coach Timothy Odeke’s team fell at the same stage during the 2011 event in Tanzania. Champions and favourites KPA, who finished the group stage with a perfect record, will be UCU’s next hurdle to complete the Uganda-Kenya affair.
However, the build-up to the semifinals has been overshadowed by the eligibility of Kenyan-born Purity Adhiambo. She was on the team lists of both UCU and APR, the Rwandese team Adhiambo played for in the same event two years ago. “It’s wrong for APR to claim a player who has been here for this long. I spoke to them but they were adamant,” Fuba president Ambrose Tashobya said.
While in Rwanda, the MVP of the 2011 local season here, served a ban for featuring in Kenya at the same time, before moving to UCU last year.
The controversy kept her out of the opener which UCU lost 75-64 to Eagle Wings on Monday. Adhiambo got temporary clearance. She bagged 17 points and 15 rebounds to add to country mate Lorraine Akinyi’s 22 points and 12 boards against Donbosco.
After the game, UCU coach Boniface Okello was informed that Adhiambo cannot play any further part in the regional event. “This is sabotage because the Kenyans fear her,” Okello fumed.
Each team is allowed only two non-nationals so UCU opted for Akinyi and Adhiambo. In case the latter isn’t cleared, Okello is hopeful guard Brenda Mbone, also a Kenyan, is allowed as a replacement.
“Whatever happens, we will go strong. Purity improves us so much. Only problem is that we have nine players so their bench is bigger,” Okello added. Without Adhiambo, the dominant inside player here, Peace Proscovia, will carry a bigger cross.
What was initially billed as the perfect platform to showcase how far Uganda's basketball had come could turn into a nightmare if pre-tournament favourites Warriors and UCU Lady Canons fail to win their second round-robin fixtures this evening, writes Felix Eupal.
At last, the Lugogo arena hosted basketball matches for the first time in more than two years when the 2012 Zone V club championship rolled off on Monday. Excitement was in the air and the full house gleefully cheered on the home teams.
In the end, however, they returned home with frowns than smiles - Warriors lost 56-72 to Rwanda's Espoir while Kenya's Eagle Wings beat the Lady Canons 75-64. Only KCCA Leopards managed a 63-50 win over Burundi's Barco Stars.
The losses leave Warriors and Lady Canons in precarious positions and the pair could be out of the tournament if they fail to win against Tanzania's Savio and APR of Rwanda respectively.
So crestfallen was Warriors coach Mande Juruni that he just coiled on the floor for minutes without saying a word. In fact, he had already given up as early as the third quarter if his posture of folding hands is anything to go by.
In the meantime, club chairman Ambrose Tashobya - who also doubles as Fuba president - described the events as 'the worst day of his life.' Tashobya had spent the last few days running up and down lobbying authorities to access the arena. So it was understandable when he described the day's events thus.
It was unexpected of Warriors to struggle to get the ball close to the opponents hoop or to make repetitive turnovers. To cap off a bad day at the office, Juruni's team rotation limited his best point guard Ivan Enabu to only 18 minutes.
Espoir coach Jean Bahufite explains: "As long as you do the little things right, all the other things fall in place". Against Savio this evening, Warriors need to borrow a leaf from Bahufite.
On the other hand, Lady Canons coach Boniface Okello will hope for good fortune against APR. In the absence of regular starters, Brenda Mbone and Purity Odhiambo, (they are technically ruled out of the tournament because a team can only field two foreign based players), UCU lack depth.
So, Maureen Amoding and Loraine Akinyi, who scored 24 and 23 points respectively in the loss to Eagle Wings, will yet again have to carry the team on their shoulders.
Kenya: Eagle Wings Soar Over Uganda Varsity Side in Zone Five Tourney
NATIONAL women's basketball champions Eagle Wings started their Fiba Africa Zone Five campaign on a winning note hitting Uganda Christian University (UCU) 75-64 in a tough match at Lugogo Indoor Stadium Kampala, Uganda. The Kenyans who played their opener a few hours after arrival looked fatigued in the first three quarters but picked up in the last quarter to earn two vital points. Other Kenyan representatives Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and KCB Lions did not have a game on the opening day.
Wings and UCU were both deadlocked 17-17 in the first quarter before the Kenyans raced away to a 17-14 second quarter advantage. After the breather, Wings bolted away 19-13 for their biggest margin before winding the fourth 22-20 to carry the day. Rose Ouma, who joined the team a few days ago from her base in Dubai led all scorers with a game high 26 points while her national team mate Samba Mjomba nailed 10.
The losers had 24 points from a Kenyan student Lorraine Akinyi who hit 24 and Maureen Amadiny who collected 23. In the other game, Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) thrashed Berco Stars of Burundi 63-50 with Martha Sogi sinking 15 and Flavio Oketch making 12 for Uganda. The Burundians had 1 from Kalume Sifa and 17 from Nzerera Ines.
Kyambogo Warriors of Uganda lost 56-72 to Espoir of Rwanda. The championships has a total of 16 teams- eight in both categories. The winners will represent the region in the Africa club championships latter in the year. KPA step onto the court with a tough game against host club KCCA, Eagle Wings meet Don Bosco while KCB Lions have a date with debutants South Sudan.
Last year's losing finalists and national champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya did not travel for the games. Today's fixtures from 11 am: Eagle Wings v Don Bosco, KCB Lionsd v South Sudan, Jeshi stars v Berco Stars, APR v UCU, Espoir v Urunani, ABC v D Mark Power, KCCA v KPA, Kyambogo Warriors v Savio.
Tanzania: Disastrous Start for Dar Teams At Zone 5
TANZANIAN teams Jeshi Stars and ABC suffered disastrous start at the ongoing regional Zone 5 basketball championships after they lost their opening fixtures against Kenya's KPA and KCB respectively in Kampala, Uganda.
Jeshi Stars women side crashed to a 91-38 defeat to regional basketball champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) ladies on Tuesday afternoon at the Lugogo gymnasium in the Ugandan capital. KPA who won the title last year in Dar es Salaam Tanzania, dominated the entire game with Zainab Ramadhan emerging the highest scorer for the Kenyan team with 34 points while Hilda Indasi had 15 points.
The Kenyans came on top in all quarters 15-9, 23-10, 23-13, 30-6. KPA are tipped as favourites though they will face stiff competition from 2010 champions Eagle Wings who had a positive start with a 75-64 win over Uganda Christian University in their opening match on Monday evening.
In the evening, Kenya Commercial Bank basketball team continued Kenya's dominance over Tanzania with a 95- 59 win over ABC in the men's Pool B encounter at the same venue. The Kenyan team dominated in all quarters of the match 25-13, 18-16, 23-12 and 29-18 with KCB's Anthony Were emerging as the highest point's scorer with 16 points and Tobias Nyandima 15 points.
ABC's Kisoky Juma was the top scorer for the Tanzanian team as he bagged in 19 points. The losses leave Jeshi Stars and ABC in precarious positions and the pair could be out of the tournament if they failed to win their next assignments. Yesterday, Tanzania's Don Bosco women team was set to launch their campaign against Kenyan Eagle Wings, while Savio (men) were scheduled to play Kyambogo Warriors.
According to the fixture of the championship, Jeshi Stars and ABC were respectively clashing against Burundi's Berco Stars and hosts Mark Power. The winner of the competition will represent Zone 5 at the FIBA club championships later in the year. The Club Championship has attracted teams from hosts Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, including little known South Sudan.
Tanzania has entered Savio and ABC, who are competing in the men's side, while Jeshi Stars and Don Bosco feature in the women's category. Hosts Uganda have paraded DMark Power and Kyambogo Warriors on the men's side while UCU Lady Canons and KCCA Leopards feature in the women's category.
The men and women defending champions Uranani from Burundi and Kenya's Port Authority respectively are also contesting in the tournament ending next Sunday. Other teams in action include KCB and Eagles Wings from Kenya, while Rwanda and Burundi have entered Espior and Berco Stars respectively.
KENYA : KPA and KCB Lions post second wins in Kampala
By DENNIS MACHIO
Kenya Ports Authority Basketball Team (KPA) who are the reigning regional basketball champions on Wednesday night posted their second successive win following their 47-24 (9-9, 20-8,8-4,10-3) win over Uganda’s KCCA at the Lugogo gymnasium in Kampala Uganda. With the second win in the pool of four teams, KPA is assured of a semi finals slot on Saturday but will have to win their final match on Friday against Burundi’s Barco Stars to finish on top of Pool A and avoid meeting the other Kenyan team Eagle Wings in the semi finals. Eagle Wings qualified for the semi finals on top of Pool B that had only three teams following APR’s last minute withdrawal. The Kenyans reigning champions won both their matches against Don Bosco from Tanzania and Uganda Christian University. Hilda Indasi was the top scorer of the match with 17 points, Zainabu Ramadhan had 8 points while KCA’s Carol Nantalo scored 7.
Another Kenyan team at the championship KCB also recorded their second win of the tournament white washing Al Hilal from South Sudan 83-47.
OTHER RESULTS Jeshi Stars 47- Berco Stars 84 Espoir (Rwanda) 66- Urunanai (Burundi) 68
UGANDA : FIBA Africa Zone 5: Power advance to semis, Warriors hopeful
Today: KBC Lions Vs DMark Power 6:00pm Urunani Vs Kyambogo Warriors 8:00pm
Local league champions DMark Power booked a place in this years FIBA Africa Zone 5 club championships following their 85-73 win over ABC on Wednesday at Lugogo.
Power along with KCB Lions are now 2-0 in the group and will play a decider of who tops their pool this evening at Lugogo.
ABC possed a threat to Power in the 3rd quarter when they came with in 54-56 of Power, 5:54 to end the period but was the closest they could as late third quarter and final period hereoics from Isaac Afidra (15 points, 15 rebounds) and Isaac Luggudde (15 points) saw off ABC's challenge.
Power's point guard, Ben Komakech (23 points) got a knock after he was tripped in the third quarter but will play part in today's match up with Lions. Facing a KCB team full of big men, Afidra, Kojo, Ikong, Kiberu and probably Luggudde have a lot of work to do in a possible finals match up.
Meanwhile, Kyambogo Warriors saw some light in the tunnel after a 71-59 win over Savio on Wednesday night. Norman Blick led they for Warriors with 19 points and Syrus Kiviri added 15. Yunuzu scored 16 points for Savio, 12 from downtown.
Kyambogo Warriors will be back on tonight at 8:00pm against Urunani to play for a place in the semi-finals. Urunani could be a trick opponent for Warriors as they edged out Espoir 68-66 to blow the group wide open.
With Warriors, Urunani and Espoir tied at 3 points, the two teams that win the final group games will move into the next phase of the tourney. Warriors have to shut-out Urunani's top scorers, Fabrece Sidayigaya, Elvis Hakizina and Blaise Nakobahoze.
UCU Lady Canons will also make the last four if they beat Tanzania’s Donbosco today.
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS Espoir 66-68 Urunani ABC 73-85 D-Mark Power KCB 83-47 South Sudan W: Eagle Wings 92-36 Donbosco Jeshi Stars 47-84 Berco Stars TUESDAY RESULTS Power 97-64 S. Sudan Urunani 58-51 Savio KCB 95-59 ABC W: KPA 91-38 Jeshi Kampala.
Two electrifying performances less than 24 hours apart ensured DMark Power’s place in the semifinals of the Fiba Africa Zone V Club Championship.
Power followed up their 97-64 victory over South Sudan on Tuesday with an 85-73 result against Tanzania’s ABC yesterday at the Lugogo MTN Arena. Point guard Ben Komakech scored a team high 23 points but limped off with an ankle injury in the third quarter to slightly dampen the mood. It didn’t seem too serious after icing by the medical staff.
Skipper Isaac Afidra had 15 and 15 rebounds to add to the 16 against South Sudan. “I think the first game is pivotal and I am happy with where we are now,” Power coach Bernice Ankunda said. The Ugandan champions have now buried the 2009 memories when they failed to make it past the pool stage. They advance from pool B along with Kenya’s KCB Lions, losing finalists in the last edition. KCB thrashed the South Sudanese 83-47. Power and KCB clash today to decide who tops the pool.
Earlier, the reigning regional champions, Urunani from Burundi, edged Rwanda’s Sspoir 68-66 in the most thrilling game of the annual tournament thus far for second successive win.
In the women’s draw, Kenya’s Eagle Wings are also through from pool B of a tournament that is yet to attract huge crowds. Wings beat Donbosco (Tanzania) 92-36 yesterday to add to the 75-64 win over UCU Lady Canons on Monday.
UGANDA : FIBA Africa Zone 5: Lady Canons, Leopards in 'must wins'
Lugogo: UCU Lady Canons Vs Don Bosco 10:00am KPA Vs Berco Stars 2:00pm KCCA Leopards Vs Jeshi Stars 4:00pm
Uganda's women representatives in the regional club basketball tournament, UCU Lady Canons and KCCA Leopards will be back on court today in 'must win' games. Lady Canons will hit the court first against Don Bosco.
The local champions lost to Eagle Wings on the opening day and have to beat a relatively weak opponent to progress to the next phase of the championship. The university side has to take better care of the ball than they did in the first game and all their scorers have to put up the figures.
Lady Canons rely on four scorers, Peace Proscovia, Lorene Akinyi, Moreen Amoding and Purity Adhiambo for points, however, two of them came short in the loss to Eagle Wings on the scoring end. Peace Proscovia & Purity Adhiambo have to put up figures.
Meanwhile, after terribly falling to KPA, KCCA Leopards have to beat Jeshi Stars to move into the semifinals. Leopards played an ugly second half scoring just once from the field of the many attempted in the 20 minutes.
They scored 8 points in the half, 6 from the line. KCCA's second half score was a point less than the first quarter performance.
The draw for the women’s and men’s Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup
competitions starting in late September has thrown up some interesting
matchups.
In the women’s competition, defending champions Anse Etoile Stars will come
up against tough opposition in the form of Mont Fleuri in their first match on
Sunday October 7.
If they are able to beat Mont Fleuri, the Stars will move to the semifinal
where they will meet Juniors who have won a bye straight into the last-four
stage.
In the bottom half of the draw, HotShots and RA Sisters are already in the
semifinal and the winners of the Friday October 12 clash will qualify for the
final slated for Saturday October 27.
Outgoing men’s champions Mont Fleuri Dawgz have quite an easy path, at least
until the quarterfinal round. Coach Nigel Ah-kong’s team await the winners of
the all-second division clash between AAP Brothers and Razors. Their toughest
challenge might come in the semifinal where they could meet one of three top
flight teams – MBU Rockers, Baya and Cascade Bullets.
Losing finalists Premium Cobras are in the bottom half of the men’s draw and
their first game is on October 8 against Juniors whom they are expected to beat
to set up a quarterfinal showdown with either RC Dynamics or PLS Hawks.
The men’s final is on the same day as the women’s on Saturday October
27. Meanwhile, the SBF is this year organising a Second Division Cup
competition, giving the second tier teams an opportunity to play among
themselves as they rarely go far in the SBF Cup.
Only Praslin Warriors are not involved in both the Second Division Cup and
SBF Cup competitions as, according to the an SBF spokesperson, the travel costs
to Mahe for matches are too high.
UGANDA : FIBA Africa Zone 5: KCCA Leopards win, UCU Lady Canons falter
Martha Soigi scored 15 points and picked 15 rebounds to lead Uganda’s KCCA Leopards to a 63-50 win over Berco Stars in the Zone 5 club championships at Lugogo.
The two teams matched shot for shot in the first two quarters but Leopards got the edge in the second half on the foul line and beyond the arc. Leopards were 15-for-26 on the line and 4-for-10 on 3-pointers while Berco Stars went 8-for-17 on free throws and 2-for-11 from downtown.
Guard, Flavia Okecho added 12 points for Leopards while Carol Badaru and Joyce Zalwango chipped in with 11 and 10 points respectively. KCCA Leopards had a rebounding advantage, out boarding Berco Stars 54-43. Safi Kalume paced Berco Stars with game high 18 points and 15 rebounds. Ines Nazera played out the 40 minutes and added 17 points.
Meanwhile, UCU Lady Canons fell, 64-75 to Eagle Wings of Kenya. After tying at 17 in the first period, 2010 champions, Eagle Wings opened the second quarter with the first 6 points to go up 23-17 with 8:33 and did not trail again.
Leading 53-44, Eagle Wings opened the final quarter with a 5-0 run to take lead into double digit (59-44) with7:50 which was relinquished in the garbage time but restored with 59 seconds to the final buzzer.
Rose Ouma Atieno led eagle wings with game high 26 points, 13 rebounds and also swiped 7 steals. Betty muomba samba added 10 points. Lady canons looked tired and warn out in the twilight of the third quarter and all of the final period coughing the ball up unnecessarily. They turned over the ball 45 times, Angella Namirimu committing 13 of those.
Lorene Akinyi paced Lady Canons with a 24/13 performance. Moreen Amoding added 23 points while Peace Proscovia’s 6 points went a long with 16 boards. Eagle wings were edged out on the glass 40-47.
Kenyan basketball champions Eagle Wings on Wednesday put up another powerful performance beating Tanzania’s Don Bosco 92-36 in their second zone 5 championship preliminary match played at the Lugogo Gymnasium in Kampala Uganda. There were only three teams in the pool after APR of Rwanda withdrew from the competition. On Monday Eagle Wings defeated Uganda Christian University 75-64 in their first match. The Kenyan team now qualifies for the semi finals of the regional competition and will play runners up of Pool A that also has Kenya Ports Authority. The semi finals will be played on Saturday.
Rose Ouma once again was the highest scorer in the match against Don Bosco with 21 points. Susan Akinyi and last year’s premier league Most Valuable Player Samba Mjomba both contributed 17 points while Don Bosco’s Saida Mohammed was the highest scorer for the Tanzanian side with 8 points.
Kenya Commercial Bank basketball team (KCB) on Tuesday evening started their campaign at the ongoing Zone 5 regional basketball championships with a 95- 59 win over Tanzania’s ABC. The match was played at the Lugogo gymnasium in Kampala Uganda. The Kenyan team dominated in all quarters of the match 25-13, 18-16, 23-12 and 29-18 with KCB’s Anthony Were emerging as the highest point’s scorer with 16 points and Tobias Nyandima 15 points. ABC’s Kisoky Juma scored 19 points. Earlier on Tuesday regional defending champions KPA ladies defeated Jeshi Stars from Tanzania 91- 38 (16-09, 23-10, 23-13 and 30-06 ). On Wednesday, reigning Kenyan champions Eagle Wings will play Tanzania’s Don Bosco, KPA will play KCCA
Wednesday 22nd Fixtures 10.00 Eagle Wings vs Don Bosco 12.00 Jeshi Stars vs Berco Stars 02.00 Espoir vs Urunani 04.00 Abc vs D Mark Power .06.00 KCCA Vs KPA Kyambogo Warriors vs Savio
KENYA : KPA stamp authority with win over Jeshi Stars
Updated on 21/08/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
Regional basketball champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) ladies basketball team on Tuesday afternoon opened their title defense campaign with a 91-38 ( 15-9,23-10,23-13,30-6) win over Tanzania’s Jeshi Stars in their first match of the ongoing regional Zone 5 championships played in Kampala at the Lugogo gymnasium. KPA dominated the entire game with Zainab Ramadhan emerging the highest scorer for the Kenyan team with 34 points while Hilda Indasi had 15 points. On Monday night the Kenyan reigning champions Eagle Wings defeated Uganda Christian University (UCU) 75-64 in another tight match. KPA ladies are the reigning Zone 5 champions .
FORMER national champions Ulinzi Warriors beat Lakeside 84-64 in a premier league basketball show at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium. The soldiers took a deserved 23-5 lead in the first quarter and hanged up 23-13 in the second quarter against the visiting Kisumu side that had given away two ties on a walk over.
After the breather, the Lakeside staged a remarkable rally that saw them take the third quarter posting a 20-19 advantage before collapsing again 22-16 in the last. Willian Otieno nailed 18 points, Mike Tanui shot 14 and James Omune 12 to lead Ulinzi. The losers had 12 points from Samuel Gekara and 11 from Dennis Nyabuti. Sprite Storms whipped Mennonite 55-27 in the women's match up.
The victors broke off a close 29-24 advantage at the break to win convincingly. Susan Akinyi shot 20 point and Lynette Mukri had 10. Belind Okoth made the losers 9. Lower division leaders Nakuru Club beat Emyba 74-59 as Ariel Okal shot 23 points while Collins Ochino replied with a similar number of points for Emyba.
time to Step up: Warriors’ Steven Okias (R) has to pull up his socks against Tanzania’s Savio tonight
What was initially billed as the perfect platform to showcase how far Uganda’s basketball had come could turn into a nightmare if pre-tournament favourites Warriors and UCU Lady Canons fail to win their second round-robin fixtures this evening, writes Felix Eupal.
At last, the Lugogo arena hosted basketball matches for the first time in more than two years when the 2012 Zone V club championship rolled off on Monday. Excitement was in the air and the full house gleefully cheered on the home teams.
In the end, however, they returned home with frowns than smiles - Warriors lost 56-72 to Rwanda’s Espoir while Kenya’s Eagle Wings beat the Lady Canons 75-64. Only KCCA Leopards managed a 63-50 win over Burundi’s Barco Stars.
The losses leave Warriors and Lady Canons in precarious positions and the pair could be out of the tournament if they fail to win against Tanzania’s Savio and APR of Rwanda respectively.
So crestfallen was Warriors coach Mande Juruni that he just coiled on the floor for minutes without saying a word. In fact, he had already given up as early as the third quarter if his posture of folding hands is anything to go by.
In the meantime, club chairman Ambrose Tashobya – who also doubles as Fuba president – described the events as ‘the worst day of his life.’ Tashobya had spent the last few days running up and down lobbying authorities to access the arena. So it was understandable when he described the day’s events thus.
It was unexpected of Warriors to struggle to get the ball close to the opponents hoop or to make repetitive turnovers. To cap off a bad day at the office, Juruni’s team rotation limited his best point guard Ivan Enabu to only 18 minutes.
Espoir coach Jean Bahufite explains: “As long as you do the little things right, all the other things fall in place”. Against Savio this evening, Warriors need to borrow a leaf from Bahufite.
On the other hand, Lady Canons coach Boniface Okello will hope for good fortune against APR. In the absence of regular starters, Brenda Mbone and Purity Odhiambo, (they are technically ruled out of the tournament because a team can only field two foreign based players), UCU lack depth.
So, Maureen Amoding and Loraine Akinyi, who scored 24 and 23 points respectively in the loss to Eagle Wings, will yet again have to carry the team on their shoulders.
UCU Canons Vs DMark Power 8:30pm
In an amazing
display of athleticism and ingenuity, Sylla caught a long fast break in the air
with one hand and jumped over his defender Neddy ‘Oye’ Fanchette before slam
dunking the basketball. There were no other major storylines in this match, only
that the Hawks could not reach the century mark for the fourth straight game but
still won by double digits in a blow-out – 90-56 – in Saturday’s double-header
at Victoria Gymnasium.
Third Place Playoff
Urunani 39 – 90 Espoir
Although power went off at the Lugogo Arena last night, the lights were back on and the second men’s semifinal of the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Championship was ably completed.
KPA (Ke) Vs UCU Lady Canons (Ug) 2:00pm
Today:
Lugogo:
Martha Soigi scored 15 points and picked 15 rebounds to lead Uganda’s KCCA Leopards to a 63-50 win over Berco Stars in the Zone 5 club championships at Lugogo.
