Basketball in Africa

Riham Warriors 60-53 Ndejje Angels

Riham Warriors closed the first round on a five game winning streak. Thanks to Ivan Enabu’s five and Brian Gumisiriza’s two free throws in the final 45 seconds that helped Warriors (9-2) beat Ndejje Angels 60-53 Wednesday night at YMCA.

Trailing by 11 points at the start of the fourth quarter, Angels (7-4) battled back from the double-digit deficit and tied the game at 53 with 46 seconds to the final horn.

“We expected that, they also came to win. The tried to come back due to a few defensive lapses but it was the guy’s composure at the end of the day that we got the win” Warriors’ coach Emmanuel Samanya said.

A technical was called on Ndejje’s coach Walker Obedi and Enabu (11 points) hit one of the resultant throws and on inbounding Warriors missed their shot and so did Brian Sentongo on the other end. On regaining possession, Gumisiriza (6 points) was sent to the line sinking both throws to take Warriors up 56-53 with 14 seconds. Obedi called for a timeout and on return Brian Odur failed on the inbound giving up the ball and Enabu was sent to the line and nailed both throws to put the game to bed. The guard added another pair of freebies with 6 seconds.

“We were punished for those small mistakes and indiscipline - which always happens” Steven Okias who scored team high 12 points for Ndejje told Kawowo Sports

Much as Warriors led nearly through the entire game, Ndejje were not far behind until some points in the third quarter when defending champions pushed the lead into double figures.

“We were close but i think we lost the game when we let them stretch that lead” Okias said.

In all the four losses (to Warriors, Oilers, Falcons and Power) Ndejje have always been in the game only to be done in garbage time.

“We know we can take on those big guys but still don’t know how to go about those final minutes when the pressure is on and you need some bit of composure” Okias notes.

Brian Odur and Geoffrey Soro contributed 9 points each for Ndejje and center, Brian Sentongo added 8 points and 9 boards.

Warriors leading scorer, Henry Malinga scored game high 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Ronnie Kasewu added 13 points as Warriors played their last competitive game prior to the August 5-11 FIBA Africa Zone 5 championships in Bujumbura.