Basketball in Africa

After a stellar regular season in which they finished with a 19-3 win-loss record and as second seeds going into the playoffs starting this weekend, UCU Canons are once again dividing opinion.

A miserable record, however, hovers over them having lost all six of the last semifinals they have taken part in including surrendering a 2-0 series lead to eventual champions City Oilers last year.

“That chockers’ tag is what motivates us,” UCU player Innocent Oduor said after their 91-71 rout of six time champions Falcons a fortnight ago. Coach Nick Natuhereza believes the team’s cohesion could prove to be the difference this season. “There is unity just that you only see the team during games,” he explained on Friday.

“We want to make things right this year,” Natuhereza added.
For Desmond Owili, UCU’s form going into the playoffs means there is no team to be worried about. “This loss won’t really affect us because we have had a really good run,” Owili said after Friday’s 80-70 overtime loss to the Oilers, their only defeat of the second round. Doubts, however, remain about their temperament with Owili, who has previously been suspended for shoving a referee having issues with the games’ officiating.

“We could have won this game but the referees could not let the game flow,” he said after the Oilers’ game. A best of three quarterfinal playoff tie against fellow university side Ndejje awaits them.

Playing on sunday
UCU Canons vs. Ndejje University Angels