Basketball in Africa

KAMPALA. One of UCU Canons or City Oilers will edge closer to a historic title in the Pepsi Fuba League best-of-seven final showdown with victory today at Lugogo MTN Arena.

But with the last two games decided in favour of the Canons, they should be the more confident of the two teams.
This followed Friday’s 71-67 Game Four victory that helped the Mukono side level the series at 2-2. “The real finals start Sunday (today),” coach Nick Natuhereza said after the game. The Canons used a 12-0 run after Oilers had taken a 62-54 lead in the fourth quarter before wrapping up the game 17-5 in the final four minutes of play. Brian Namake scored six points in that period, finishing with 15 points as Landry Ndikumana’s three-pointer with 36 seconds remaining moved them within three as they threatened a comeback.

It is Steven Wundi though, who led the Canons charge, the shooting guard making another game high 21 points. He is now averaging 18 in the series thus far.

“Confidence in any team would be high after winning two straight games in a final but Sunday is a day to show we are not giving up on our title,” Oilers’ Samuel Kalwanyi, who finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, stated.
Ndikumana scored a team high 19 points for the Oilers for whom coach Mandy Juruni will be seeking better figures from Kami Kabange, who was restricted to 12 on Friday.

There was double joy for UCU’s Natuhereza as his ladies team took a 2-0 series lead against a tired looking and injury-ravaged KCCA Leopards.

The Lady Canons won 70-56 on the night and look on track to avenge last year’s defeat to the same side.
KCCA Leopards, who recently returned from the Fiba Africa Women’s Club Championship in Angola, recovered from 3-1 to beat UCU Lady Canons 4-3 in last year’s final series.

Friday results
M: City Oilers 67-71 UCU (series tied 2-2)
W:KCCA 56-70 UCU (UCU lead series 2-0)
Today at Lugogo
M: UCU vs. City Oilers, 8.30pm
W: UCU vs. KCCA, 6.30pm