Wednesday, May 29
*KCCA Men 82-68 Kampala University
*Warriors 74-42 Sharing Youth

KCCA Men coach Bernis Ankunda has claimed that his team can reach this year’s National Basketball League semi finals.

The target looks over stretched but the tactician is very confident KCCA will improve in a short while.

Ankunda was speaking after his side’s 82-68 victory against Kampala University in a National Basketball League game played on Wednesday at YMCA Court in Wandegeya.

This, was KCCA’s third win of the season and comes as a breather for a team that has some quality in depth compared to relegation rivals Falcons, Our Saviour and Kampala University.

“Initially, I had planned a minimum of seven wins though we threw away some games earlier,” commented Coach Bernis.

“But we have KIU on weekend, City Oilers and Sharing then. Its a must we must have at least two wins out of three, so I don’t know who will be the victim but we really need two more to finish with five wins then we can correct from the break and come back and compete stronger.”

Nornan Blick led the way with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Andrew Gang also had 18 points, Marc Mathe added 15. Francis Mbuyi and Geoffrey Omondi had 10 and none points, with the latter spicing up his tally with eight rebounds and five assists.

KCCA had a strong start, leading 19-5 after the first quarter but could later relax and somehow Kampala University scored 26 against 13 to bring back the game at halftime. However, a convincing 33-22 KCCA explosion in the last quarter gave Ankunda’s side an edge.

Last season, KCCA survived the drop but have looked an improved side since then despite results not going their side.

Coach Bernis explains his transfer business:

“Actually, when I went to scout for players, I was looking for those who will fit in my philosophy. Since the departure of Brian Waters, I needed a confident guard who will bring the ball down so I went after Jeff. Initially they had refused to release him but after some talks, it went through.

“Norman, and of course Jeff, both share what they have with the little ones and that is what I love about them mostly. The young blood is to keep the blend, so as we can play both a quick and slow game. Our plan here is to control tempos of games though we have been struggling to add the chemistry but we will get there.”

KCCA now sit eighth on the 12 team log with three wins and five losses. Falcons and Our Saviour are the other victims of KCCA.

“Realistically, we can get a semi final berth because we have a month or two before the playoffs and everything goes to plan,” added Coach.

“Geoff is getting his shape because he has not been playing competetive basketball, Norman sat out almost last year, and the young kids are getting their fitness.”