Basketball in Africa

Last night’s crunch tie between the UCU Canons and Falcons is probably the most offensively clinical game in the National Basketball League. The game shall be remembered for precise offensive execution by both teams, a total of 192 points in a season that has so far been characterized by very low scores especially when big teams meet.  The question remains though; who will stop the seemingly unstoppable UCU Canons?

On the night, The Canons starting with Sudi Ulanga, Syrus Kiviiri, Namake Brian, Okwako Martin and Desmond Owili. A huge 68 points from the five starters with Sudi Ulanga coming out with the Canons high 26 points that included 4 of 7 attempts falling outside the arc;  Syrus Kiviiri dropping 13 points, Martin Okwako dropping 10 and 7 Rebounds, Brian Namake with 7 points and 5 Rebounds while Desmond Owili added 12 points and 9 Rebounds. The Canons bench was providing plenty of options too, Big man Ivan Lumanyika came off the bench to deliver 12 points and a huge game high 15 individual Rebounds. It almost looked as though Lumanyika was claiming everything that bounced off the glass. Boniface Okello similarly showing up last night, with 3 of 4 three pointers dropping to finish the game with 12 points.

Falcons had a slow start, with Jeff Omondi and lead man Stephen Omony showing up when the game was already underway. The starters then were, Moses Okwera, Daniel Muli, Abdullahi ‘Dullah’ Ramadhan, Peter Elungat and Serge Kabangu. Phillip Ameny who has missed the last two Falcons encounters started on the bench. Despite not starting, Stephen Omony came out with the game high 27 points and 10 Rebounds, and a now fully fit and composed Dullah added 22 points for the Falcons.  Peter Elungat did not have the best night out delivering 6 points and only 2 Rebounds.

The Canons were off to a good start winning the 1^st and 2^nd quarters, 31:17 and 25:24. This 56:41  halftime score could have been the final scoreboard on any other day like we’ve seen so far this season. The Falcons could then dig deep to cut the deficit with a 19:27 victory of the 3^rd qtr. Falcons came too close in the last 2 minutes of the game, coming within 4 points but the Canons kept their composure all through it and when the clock stopping games started, the Canons were not missing on the charity line to win the 4^th qtr 26:23 , with Desmond hitting his 3^rd and buzzer dunk to ceil it 101:91.

The game had major plays, but perhaps it’s the fluidity, the chemistry and composure with which the canons are playing that will get other title contenders thinking. For now, The Canons remain unbeaten thus far in this NBL Season and I should say, they’re also looking good.