Basketball in Africa

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