Basketball in Africa

Makerere University’s Kevin Acheruilut (left) in action against Kampala University yesterday. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA   

KAMPALA. Michael Makiadi is one of the biggest names in the Zuku University Basketball League (ZUBL).
Turning out for Cavendish University, Makiadi has lived to his big star status since the tournament started last month.
In one of the games last week, the big man, who turns out for Power in the national league, scored a free throw while facing the opposite direction.
His cheeky throw has been a subject of discussion on social media since with some observers saying he was so disrespectful to opposing players and the tournament itself.
On Saturday, however, the towering Makiadi didn’t have the luxury of pulling off another sassy throw.
It was serious business as his side clashed with Makerere University in one of the games at Bushcourt, Kololo.
Still, the former KIU star, managed a game high 18 points much as he couldn’t stop Makerere from winning 41-31. Daniel Ojoro led Makerere with 11 points in the game.
The result left Cavendish seven points behind leaders MUK in the five team Kampala Central 2 Conference while St. Lawrence are second following their 83-70 loss to the table toppers on Thursday.
Kenneth Mwesho was another star performer on the day, scoring 21 points as his Busitema team lost 22-62 to Kyambogo.
Without him on court, it’s safe to suggest Busitema could have scored only one point. Arthur Ainebyona led Kyambogo in the commanding victory with 20 points.
In the women’s category, St Lawrence beat Cavendish 45-29 but lost to defending champions Makerere 29-45. Action returns tomorrow with Nkumba hosting Ndejje in Entebbe.
In the Kampala Central Conference, Brian Sivachi’s 11 points helped Nkumba to a 60-35 victory over Kisubi and make up for their 56-51 loss to UMU.
In the Eastern group, Kenneth Mwesho scored 21 of Busitema’s 22 points but could not prevent his side from falling 62-22 to Kyambogo for whom Arthur Ainebyona scored 20 points.

SATURDAY ZUKU RESULTS
Men
Cavendish 31-41 Makerere
Busitema 22-62 Kyambogo
Kisubi 35-60 Nkumba
Busoga 51-42 Busitema
Busitema 18-56 IUEA
Busoga 20-00 IUIU (walkover)
Kyambogo 20-00 IUIU
Women
Cavendish 29-45 St Lawrence
Busitema 00-20 KIU (walkover)
Makerere 49-22 St Lawrence
TOMORROW AT NKUMBA
W: Nkumba vs. Ndejje, 4pm
M: Nkumba vs. Ndejje, 6pm

essenonoe@ug.nationmedia.com