FUBA NBL 2019
Friday, 31-05-2019
YMCA Court, Wandegeya
-Betway Power 111-50 Falcons
-KCCA Leopards 87-58 A1 Challenge
WANDEGEYA – Gone are the days when Falcons were the heavyweights of Ugandan Basketball, winning six titles in the process. Currently, they have just made a return to the FUBA National Basketball League and are look like one of the sides that the big boys will consistently drub through the entire season.
On Friday night at YMCA Court in Wandegeya, Emmanuel Shikuku’s side were at the wrong end of a beating as they lost 111-50 to Betway Power.
Power point-guard Syrus Kiviri orchestrated the result, throwing down a game high 24 points shooting an impressive 9-12 from the field whilst converting 4 of his attempted 6 three pointers.
Sixteen (16) of Kiviri’s 24 points came in the first half, one that Power dominated to the best of the word.
In the first quarter, Power ran riot, posting 31 points and restricting Falcons to just 4 baskets from which they managed 9 points.
In the second, Arnold Lando’s side continued with their onslaught, taking it 20-10 and ensure they held a 21 point advantage at the break.
The trend continued in the 3rd with Power increasing their lead to 53 points after winning it 33-12.
Lando’s charges added 27 more points in the 4th while Falcons managed 19 as Power ran out 111-50 victors in the end.
Substitute Joseph Ikong posted 20 points while Gudi Nasser contributed 15 in the winning effort. The duo of Phillip Ameny and Fahmy Ssebatindira also reached double fingure in terms of scoring for Power, posting 11 points each.
For Falcons, none of their players could manage double figures in terms of scoring with Vinny Jurwa and Henry Mbazira each hitting 9 points as a team high. Center, Andrew Opio registered 10 boards on the night.
This is Power’s 5th victory of the campaign and takes their record to 5-4 after 9 games. They are currently 7th on the 12 team log.
Falcons on the other hand, suffered their 8th loss of the season and currently occupy 8th with only two victories so far.
In the other game played on Tuesday, Martha Soigi registered a double double as her KCCA Leopards’ side defeated A1 Challenge 87-58 in the Women’s division.
By the end of the contest, Soigi had posted 18 points and 15 boards.
KCCA dominated the early exchanges, taking the first and second quarters 21-10 and 22-16 to win the first half 43-26.
The third however belonged to A1, winning it 27-23 to temporarily reduce the deficit to 13 (53-66), heading into the final 10 minutes.
Sensing that A1 were plotting a come-back, KCCA upped their game in the 4th, blew away their opponents 21-05 to seal the contest 87-58.
Judith Nansobya led KCCA in terms of scoring with a team and game high 25 points on the night while Cynthia Irankunda also impressed with 13 points and 8 assists.
For A1, they had only two players reach double figures in terms of scoring with Georgia Adhiambo coming up with 13 and Susan Amito managing 10.
KCCA Leopards’ victory sees them climb into second with a 7-1 record while A1 remain 5th having won 4 and lost 5 of their first 9 games.
The FUBA National Basketball League continues on Saturday with four games in the Men’s divison.
Saturday, 01-06-2019 fixtures
-KCCA Men vs City Oilers
-Our Saviour vs KIU Titans
-UCU Canons vs Sharing Youth
-Ndejje Angels vs Warriors
