Basketball in Africa

UCU Lady Canons players show their delight after sealing the women’s basketball league crown at YMCA. UCA overcame KCCA last night in a best-of-seven series final that lived up to its billing. PHOTO by Ismail Kezaala 

The Canons converted one of eight free throw attempts in the final minute before eventually pulling away 71-65 to be crowned the new Pepsi-Fuba Basketball league champions.

That though was before the Leopards had clawed to within two at 67-65 before Purity Odhiambo calmed the nerves with the final points for a 4-2 series result in front of a sparse crowd at YMCA.

She finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds while Judith Nansobya had a game high 19 points.
“I can’t fault my players for effort because the various engagements we had over the past month took their toll on them,” KCCA coach Timothy Odeke said of the result.

His KCCA side have been dealing with injuries and fatigue having recently returned from continental duties. Martha Soigi top scored for the Leopards with 16 points with Muhayimina Namuwaya adding 12 and 11 rebounds.
In the men’s Game 7 on Wednesday, Oilers beat UCU to seal a rare hat-trick of titles in a game played before a massive crowd of fans and neutrals. Next year Oilers start as strong favourites to become the first side to win the title four years in succession.

Pepsi Fuba final

UCU Lady Canons 71-65 KCCA
(Canons win series 4-2)

Past winners of the ladies title

2015 - UCU Lady Canons
2014 - KCCA Leopards
2013 – UCU Lady Canons
2012 – KCCA Leopards
2011 - UCU Lady Canons
2010 – UCU Lady Canons
2009 – KCCA Leopards
2008 – UCU Lady Canons
2007 – KCCA Leopardampala. After blowing a 21 point lead in game five, there was real worry with 25 seconds left of Friday’s game six that the UCU Lady Canons had again faltered against the KCCA Leopards.