Saturday, September 16
Games Ones
•JKL Lady Dolphins 70-40 A1 Challenge
•Our Saviour 84-60 Ndejje Angels
•KCCA Leopards 68-83 UCU Lady Canons
•Power 53-58 UCU Canons
Sunday, September 17
•Magic Stormers Vs JT Lady Jaguars (Game 2: 0-1) – 12pm
•KIU Titans Vs KCCA Panthers (Game 1) – 2pm
•KIU Rangers Vs Miracle Eaglets (Game 1) – 4pm
•Kampala Rockets Vs City Oilers (Game 2: 0-1) – 6pm
UCU Canons took control of their NBL playoffs series after a hard fought win over D-mark Power on Saturday at YMCA court in Wandegeya.
The Canons had to fight from down to win 58-53 in a thrilling game one of the Quarterfinals.
And the Canons will seal a place in the semifinals if they win Friday’s Game Two in this best of three encounter.
Power started off like a house on fire and led 17-08 after the first quarter.
UCU Canons started their recovery and cut the deficit to three points at halftime.
Power held onto their slender lead, 42-41, going into the last quarter which UCU won 17-11 to claim the victory.
Power had two late possessions in the last seconds to tie the game but failed to execute in both occasions as UCU were rewarded for their hustle.
It was a scrappy game for either side, and UCU Canons struggled on defense, but it’s a result that will all matter for coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s side who needed a win in their game of the regular season against KCCA to not only reach the playoffs but also survive relegation!
Peter Sifuma guided UCU with a double double of 14 points and 17 rebounds while Lwabaga Ibanda (12) was the other Canon to score double figures.
UCU who were without Jerry Kayanga, missed 25 of their 28 threes!
Ozias Kikomba and Elvis Mpeti scored double doubles that included 15 and 13 points respectively.
Power who had Nigerian guard Kevin Ogunjim return, will feel they could have done better in a game they led by 11 points at some stage.
But it was a see-saw affair in a game that saw the lead change hands nine times!
