11 October 2012
UGANDA : Titans throw Power into Canon fire
UCU’s Sudi Ulanga beats Power star Ben Komakech to lay up last season. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
Two-time Airtel Basketball League defending champions DMark Power are almost certain of taking the hardest route to the title amongst title contenders, or rather pretenders.
KIU’s 70-63 victory over lethargic Falcons at YMCA court on Tuesday is likely to clinch third place with Power finishing fourth.
That implies that Power must beat fifth-placed UCU Canons in the quarterfinals and could play Warriors in the semis, a repeat of the finals from the past three years.
That implies that Power must beat fifth-placed UCU Canons in the quarterfinals and could play Warriors in the semis, a repeat of the finals from the past three years.
“We will appreciate the task and take it,” UCU coach Nick Natuhereza said. Power won’t worry too much either. “At the end of the day, you must beat every team to win the championship,” Power’s Isaac Afidra insisted. Both KIU and Power still have to play Vegetarian and Giant Stormers respectively at the weekend.
With Vegetarian having won only four all season and staying up only because Stormers, who have won twice, and winless bottom side Rez Life are worse, the duo is expected to win easily.
The matchups therefore presume that KIU and Power, now tied at 16-5, will finish with an identical 17-5. KIU beat Power twice this season.
They also did the same to Falcons though couldn’t catch them. Falcons, having clinched second at 18-4, behind Warriors (19-2), never really challenged beyond the first period clinching it 17-12.
They also did the same to Falcons though couldn’t catch them. Falcons, having clinched second at 18-4, behind Warriors (19-2), never really challenged beyond the first period clinching it 17-12.
After that, guard Abdullahi Ramadhani’s eight turnovers is chiefly what Falcons did. His class is not in doubt but his form since the publicised return three weeks ago must a major worry come playoffs. “There was nothing to benefit from the game. We didn’t even manage to train all week,” Tony Oluka, the Falcons’ coach, said.
Richard Osano profited with 18 points and nine rebounds. Nelson Njau scored 13, Moses Olobo and Salim Ali went for 11 apiece to book a date with Miracle Eagles.
Perhaps reserve Edwin Kateregga was the most motivated in the Falcons’ dugout scoring 18 with Philip Ameny’s 16 and Stephen Omony’s 12 not enough to end a two-game skid. The play-offs start later this month although Fuba are yet to confirm the dates.
# posted by afrbk : 15:23
