15 December 2012
UGANDA : KCCA, Warriors sure of Game Six in Fuba finals
By ISMAIL DHAKABA KIGONGO
Down 2-1 going into Wednesday night’s Game Four, Warriors and KCCA Leopards knew they had to come up with something special. Their fighting spirit was greatly tested. They responded with immense resolve to tie their respective
best-of-seven Fuba playoff final series at 2-all.
best-of-seven Fuba playoff final series at 2-all.
Game Five is today at the Lugogo MTN Arena. Consequently, Game Six, the earliest a champion can be determined, is also confirmed for Sunday at the same venue.
KCCA Leopards edged UCU Lady Canons 53-50 in the women’s final. Flavia Oketcho scored 19 points and Martha Soigi added 10 points and 12 rebounds.
In the men’s game, the 2009 champions held off a thrilling comeback from Falcons to win 78-70. They almost threw it away after a dominant third quarter, where they outscored Falcons 27-17, put them in full control.
When Norman Blick converted two successive threes to give Warriors a 56-45 lead towards the end of the third quarter, it felt like the series was now 2-2.
At least body language of the opponents and fans said so. Blick, who shot a game-high 26 points and made three blocks, in the zone. The lead even grew to 12, 64-52. Then, the fight back started.
At least body language of the opponents and fans said so. Blick, who shot a game-high 26 points and made three blocks, in the zone. The lead even grew to 12, 64-52. Then, the fight back started.
Falcons scored 11 straight points, five of them by Abdullahi Ramadhan, who finished on 12 points, five assists and five steals, to pull within one (63-64).
This run was epitomised by Philip Ameny dunking over Sam Gombya. It was also the 7ft 1in centre’s fifth foul. As Gombya, 10 points and 17 rebounds, took his place on the bench, some fans ran on the floor to celebrate with Ameny.
It was indeed for the archives.
It was indeed for the archives.
Then, Ivan Enabu took charge. The guard made five of his eight points after that dunk. Enabu also made an important steal off Stephen Omony to set up Blick for an easy bucket. In applauding Enabu’s critical contribution, Norman still found flaws. “He has heart to go in where it’s not possible,” Blick said of Enabu.
“Sometimes, he makes hasty decisions like rushing in. He needs some kind of maturity but if he wants to win, he will win. That’s the good thing about him.”
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com
“Sometimes, he makes hasty decisions like rushing in. He needs some kind of maturity but if he wants to win, he will win. That’s the good thing about him.”
ikigongo@ug.nationmedia.com