Basketball in Africa

Purity Odhiambo (L) led UCU to victory against Strathmore. PHOTO BY AMINAH BABIRYE 

KAMPALA- Hosts Uganda Christian University (UCU) swept the men and women’s basketball honours at the Eastern Africa University Games (EAUG) that climaxed at the main campus in Mukono yesterday.

The men’s side, the UCU Canons, rallied to beat Kampala International University (KIU) Titans 55-51 while the Lady Canons made light work of Kenya’s Strathmore 74-43 as the hosts successfully defended both titles. But it was not as comfortable for coach Nick Natuhereza’s UCU Canons, who had to come from behind having lost the first two quarters 14-12 and 15-13 respectively. The hosts rallied to win the third quarter by a point before sailing in the fourth 18-11.

“We came to this tournament with no morale after the disappointment in the national league (where they lost to City Oilers 3-2 in the semis),” said UCU centre Desmond Owili.

“So we are glad to finally win something. But they gave us a good game. I think they lost because they grew reluctant after taking the lead going into the third quarter.”

KIU centre Michael Makiadi believes they lost because they got comfortable. “We got many turnovers when we were ahead and they capitalized. It’s disappointing because we had a great chance to win it.”

BASKETBALL RESULTS
MEN’S FINAL
UCU 55-51 KIU
THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
Strathmore (Kenya) 52-42 Ndejje

WOMEN’S FINAL
UCU 74-43 Strathmore
THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
USIU (Kenya) 47-39 KIU