Tusker Lite National Basketball League
Friday, 29th April Results
UCU Lady Canons 47-52 KCCA Leopards (W)
UCU Canons 66-62 Nam Blazers (M)
Uganda Christian University (UCU) basketball outfits, Canons (men) and Lady Canons (women) were aiming to return home with wins in the Friday fixtures of the Tusker Lite National Basketball League (NBL) but it was also the men who got the job done.
UCU Lady Canons lost 47-52 to KCCA Leopards in the opening match of the evening at the MTN Arena Lugogo in Kampala whilst UCU Canons beat Nam Blazers 66-62 in the men’s division fixture.
From a 24-point game to a 5-point game, tables almost turned but the Lady Canons failed to maximize their chances as KCCA Leopards’ Leticia Awor, Asinah Kabendela and Martha Soigi all fouled out by fourth quarter.
In the men’s game, Nam Blazers trailed at half time (30-32), they had an 8-point lead but they struggled to keep it as Sudi Ulanga came raining back to back threes to give UCU Canons the lead. The university side would later stretch their lead and eventually winning the tie.
KCCA Leopards’ Alicia Wasagali managed 12 points and 15 rebounds. Leane Nalunkuma had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Sylvia Nakazibwe returned 8 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
For UCU Lady Canons, Rose Akon posted 12 points and 21 rebounds. Hajara Najjuko managed 9 points and 4 rebounds, Millicent Otieno had 9 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist whilst Tracy Namugosa had 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists in a losing effort.
In the men’s game, UCU Canons’ Jerry Samson Kayanga shot 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Lwabaga Ibanda had 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, Peter Sifuma shot 13 points, 14 rebounds and 1 assist whist Sudi Ulanga had 10 points and 7 assists.
For Nam Blazers, Amisi Saidi had 15 points and 2 rebounds. Paul Odong shot 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists whilst Joseph Ikong had 9 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
It was KCCA Leopards’ fifth win of the season after seven games. They are second on the table with 12 points, just like log leaders JKL Lady Dolphins who have played a game less.
UCU Lady Canons on the other side share the same statistics like the above two teams but the points difference sees them settle for third. They are just a point ahead of KIU Rangers who have played a game less.
After 10 games, UCU Canons stretch their lead on top of the men’s table to 19 points off nine wins and are four points ahead of Betway Power who have played a game less.
Nam Blazers are fourth with 13 points after eight games courtesy of five wins and three losses.
The Tusker Lite National Basketball League continues throughout the weekend with lots of games set to be played at YMCA basketball court in Wandegeya (Saturday) and Lugogo (Sunday).
