Basketball in Africa

Warriors’ reign as champions came to an end in gallant fashion, losing 87-83 to Falcons in repeat of last year’s final which ended  4-2.
But, perhaps the bigger fairytale is City Oilers who beat a spineless Power 72-68. When Power won the last of their five titles in 2011, Oilers were only being constituted to make an entry in Division Three!

It’s a testament of the solid financial backing from City Oil, organisation, luring big man Kami Kabangu (Espoir, Rwanda) and guard Jimmy Enabu (Power) and probably above all coach Mandy Juruni.                 

The elimination game was not even close as the margin suggests. Power forward Ramadhan Arou completed his towering dominance of this series for the fifth seeds with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Kabangu had nine and 15 rebounds, ourebouding Power 55-49. Enabu scored 15 as Juruni delivered a men’s team to the final for a third year running, the previous two with Warriors.

In celebration, his players carried him shoulder high in the changing room and he deserved it. “At the start of the season, our target was to reach the final and then look at the title,” Enabu said.

Adding that; “I have grown to love the responsibility now.” Either top-seeded Power didn’t have the weapons to challenge the might of the Oilers or didn’t understand the importance of an elimination game.

Ben Komakech is the only who gave it real fight, scoring 29 points and six rebounds. Paul Odong added 18. The rest folded like flowers. “We have to start all over again,” is all coach Bernes Ankunda could say.On the other hand, Warriors should be pleased with their effort but never really had the talent to stop coach Gad Eteu’s Falcons from revenge for the loss 12 months ago. Stephen Omony led all scorers with 22 points and seven rebounds, Abdullahi Ramadhan added 18 and five assists and Serge Kabangu had 15 and eight boards.