Basketball in Africa

KAMPALA- Joseph Ikong and Emmanuel Ateng ensured there were no surprise results by guiding their respective sides to victory during the Airtel National Basketball League games played on Sunday at YMCA.

Ikong led all scorers with 16 points and also picked 16 rebounds to guide Tiger Head Power to a 64-54 routine victory over Charging Rhino in their first game since returning from the FIBA Zone V Championship last week.

Paul Odong added 15 and Abdulahi Ramadhan 10 for Bernes Ankunda’s side that relied on a 19-5 explosive first quarter start to dispel any notion of the repeat 70-64 first round loss to the same side.

Isaac Afidra picked 11 rebounds and made six points to cover up for another average performance as Power moved to 9-4 this season. Allan Kobel was the only Rhino player to get into double figures scoring 15 points as they remained in the final playoff spot with a 5-9 record.

Meanwhile six time champions Krishna Falcons had forward Ateng score 18 points as they held on for a 69-65 win over Brian Rugyendo’s Diamond in the Sun.

Martin Kelly and Ives Kalambay added 14 and 13 points respectively to cover up for Syrus Kiviiri’s rare off day with the guard going for eight points and shooting one-for-five from behind the arc.

The win moved Falcons to 12-2 for Sam Obol’s side while Diamond look likely on their way back to the lower division as they sank to 2-12 this season.

essenono@nationmedia.com