Basketball in Africa

The two Mukono sides – men and women – stuttered in their push for the annual basketball inter-cities title at the Lugogo MTN Arena on Wednesday night.

Following their opening day victories, both outfits were beaten. The arrival of Nairobi raised the ante. Last year, two Kenyan sides – Eagle Wings and KPA – reached the Zone V final in the women’s category.

There were so many familiar names as Nairobi swept aside Mukono 73-67 and beat Jinja 72-63 to underline their ambition and also take the favourites tag. Guard Hilda Hindesi scored 16 points against Mukono - largely UCU Canons - and 11 in the win over Jinja (KIU Titans). here wasn’t better luck for Mukono, victors on day one against Kampala A, as they lost 50-49 to Jinja, comprising KIU Titans players.
Francis Kasekende shed the contest with 13 points to give Jinja their first victory in a tournament that still fails to attract crowds.
Wednesday was a new low in a tournament struggling for relevance. Entebbe (men) never showed up and there was no explanation from their skipper Ivan Enabu.