Wednesday, May 8
*UMU Ravens 82-56 YMCA Lady Hamsters
*Betway Power 68-71 UCU Canons
UCU Canons managed to overcome Betway Power to register a 68-71 hard fought victory in a National Basketball League game played at MTN Indoor Arena in Lugogo.
The victory comes on the back of another big win for the Canons who had beaten up on Oilers 90-82 at YMCA on Sunday, despite missing Coach Nicholas Natuhereza in both games.
UCU’s starters showed up with strong displays: Titus Lual had 14 points, double doubles from Fadhil Chuma (10 points and 16 rebounds) and David Deng (12 points and 10 rebounds) while Isaiah Mabeny and Joas Maheta were brilliant too.
Fayed Baale and Jerry Kayanga added support off the bench, both shooting 3-6 for 8 points each.
UCU shot 15-of-39 from the field in the first half to lead 38-29 before holding on in the last two quarters to seal a close three point game.
Syrus Kiviiri (25 points and 7 rebounds) could not have ended on a losing side but lacked enough suppprt from teammates as Power suffered their fourth loss of the season.
Beside Syrus, only Phillip Ameny (10 points) managed double figures in a game the five time champions looked second best.
Power who trailed for most of the big part of the game, tried to crawl back with strong surge down the stretch – winning the last quarter 26-13.
Power , who missed forward Sam Agutu and assistant coach Boniface Okello who is with Kitende SS in Mbale for schools game came close to leveling matters in the last seconds:
Joseph Ikong, with 23 seconds remaining on the clock had his lay up blocked off the glass by David Deng and he could later also miss a free throw after Deng was given a technical (foul) for deliberately going on the line when it was Titus Lual who was fouled at the other end.
The Mukono based side have won five from as many games – They had earlier beaten up on Oilers, KCCA, Our Saviour and Ndejje University.
This is the fourth loss for Power from six games. They beat KIU Titans and Our Saviour but have suffered losses against Oilers, Warriors and JKL, not to mention UCU.
Power will return to the court against Sharing Youth on May 12 while UCU have some time to rest before facing Warriors and JKL on May 25 and 26 in that order.
Top performers
Most Points
- Syrus Kiviiri (Power) – 25
- Titus Lual (UCU) – 14
- David Deng (UCU) – 12
Most Rebounds
- Fadhil Chuma (UCU) – 16
- Philip Ameny (Power) – 10
- Deng (UCU) – 10
Most Assists
- Joseph Ikong (Power) – 7
- Fayed Baale (UCU) – 4
- Isaiah Mabeny (UCU) – 3
