UCU Lady Canons 79-49 Magic Stormers Dmark Power 82-75 UCU Canons
Bernes Akunda’s tenth successive victory was as much sigh of relief as celebration. His team needed an uncharacteristic defensive lapse from UCU Canons in the waning minutes to get the 82-75 win Friday night at the MTN Arena.
Big man Isaac Afidra poured in season high 29 points (23 in the second half) and grabbed 16 rebounds to lead the way for Dmark Power. Norman Blick added 14 points and 7 rebounds. “We played well as a team. We were a unit both offensively and defensively” Afidra said.
Tied at 62 with 4:35 in the fourth quarter, Brian Namake was brought back on and coughed the ball up on his first touch the outcome was an and1 from Isaac Afidra to take Power up 65-62 with 4:32. Paul Odong (7 points) added a lay-up to increase lead to 5. Syrus Kiviri cut UCU’s deficit to 3 points but a lay-up from Paul Mwaka (9 points) and a 3-pointer from Emmanuel Enabu (13 points) took Power’s lead to 8 points with 2:01. Canons became desperate the rest of the way missing important shots
“I think we gave away the ball in the final minutes, missed some shots and they got the edge” UCU’s coach, Nicholas Natuhereza said.
Guard, Syrus Kiviiri scored team high 21 points, picked 7 rebounds and swiped game high 7 steals for Canons (9-1). Desmond Owili who occasionally got the fans on their feet with his dunks added 16 points and forward, Martin Okwako had 15 points. “We didn’t defend well in those final minutes but this is just one loss” Kiviiri told Kawowo Sports.
UCU’s center, Ivan Lumanyika picked game high 18 rebounds as the university side edged the glass 60-54. Sudi Ulanga had a poor game turning in 3 points off a 3-pointer in 27 minutes. The shooting guard was 1-for-9 from the field. “That is sports. People have bad days and today’s been one of those for him” Ntuhereza on Ulanga’s poor performance.
UCU’s lady side meanwhile beat Magic Stormers who were without their star player Carol Nyafwono and Rukia Meeme. Moreen Amoding scored season high 27 points off the bench to lead the Lady Canons (9-0). Purity Adhiambo added 15 points and 11 rebounds. Guard, Sylvia Twesigye led stormers (5-4) with 13 points, Belinda Feni added 9 points. Lady Canons are now 2-0 Vs Stormers.
