Basketball in Africa

Game 1: UCU Canons 77-88 Falcons, OT (Falcons lead series 1-0)
The Canons – Falcons series promised to be the most intriguing of all the first round match ups of the Castle Lite FUBA Playoffs across both divisions. Indeed it will live up to the hype – at least basing on game 1 that had to be decided in OverTime.
Geoffrey Omondi scored 20 points including a score tying foul shot with 10 seconds to force overtime asFalcons beat UCU Canons on Sunday night at the Lugogo MTN Arena.
Falcons started slow and Canons took a quick double digit lead to close the opening quarter 26-13. Falcons started coming back into the game in the second quarter and more organised on the defensive end.
Turning Point:
With UCU Canons leading 68-62, their center, Desmond Owili picked up his fifth foul to send Philip Ameny to line. The Falcons’ big hit one of the two throws to bring Falcons within 63-68, 1:50 from the buzzer. UCU called for a time out that was followed by a lay-up from Abdulahi Ramadhan (14 points, 9 rebounds & 4 assists) and a game tying trey from Omondi with 57 seconds. On inbounding, UCU’s guard, Syrus Kiviiri (15 points, 4 assists) was sent to the foul line hitting the second throw. On gaining possession Dullah turned over the ball with a miss placed pass and UCU called for a time out that was followed by Kivviri missing a pull up and a free throw by Omondi to tie the game at 69 with 10 seconds.
UCU called for a timeout and on returned Falcons defended and earned a jump-ball. Falcons called for a time out and on return Dullah’s buzzer beating jumper drew steel and the game went to overtime. Omondi opened the extra period from down town and with both flags already up, Falcons’ 12 of 19 and UCU’s 5 of 8 overtime points were from the foul line.
Sudi Ulanga led UCU Canons with 20 point but the shooting guard’s season may have also ended last night after picking up an injury while trying to block Dullah with 39 seconds to the final buzzer. Owilli added 12 points and grabbed game high 14 rebounds.
Philip Ameny matched game high 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Steven Omony added 15 points and 7 rebounds as Falcons crushed Canons on the glass 64-49.
Game 2 is on Wednesday, November 6 at 5:30pm (Lugogo MTN Arena)