Basketball in Africa

Falcons veteran Sam Obol is sandwiched by Ndejje’s Francis Tumusiime (R) and Idi Nkuruziza during a recent game. Ndejje are now a formidable force. Photo by Ismail Kezaala  Amid the chaotic finish to UCU Canons’ narrow loss to DMark Power last Friday night, the former’s coach knew exactly whey they were beaten. “I think we were sloppy,” Nicholas Natuhereza said following the 71-70 defeat that handed Power the number one seeding for the playoffs. Canons’ failure to get their ‘big men’ playing was evident.
In the absence of centre Desmond Owili, it seemed like the guards – especially Syrus Kiviri and Sudi Ulanga – didn’t trust the other options enough.                 

Kiviri and Ulanga have earned the right to take as many shots as they want.
But, a combined 18 attempts from downtown only bore fruits thrice. Their return of 29 points and 17 points was only a cover up. With Owili on the floor, their big men would have definitely got more than the 13 field goal attempts they managed to leave UCU stranded in second at 16-4 record.

That sloppiness will be welcomed by Ndejje University Angels when the two clash at YMCA court today with the latter hoping to do more than just finish in the top four. Ndejje, promoted in 2009, are having a memorable season, way better than their 15-6 record. They still have an outside chance of finishing second.                 

Beating UCU then Nkumba Marines doing the same on Sunday will earn Ndejje that feat and their coach Walker Obedi sees even further ahead.
“We can win the championship,” Obedi said.

This belief is shared by his players especially last year’s regular season MVP and top scorer Geoffrey Soro. The talisman wants to make up for missing last year’s playoffs through injury and make a deep run.

Victories over Falcons and Power – both for the first time – and results against all teams in the top seven except City Oilers are sufficient to make a case fro Ndejje.

Today is a chance to push their case further and it’s possible after the 57-56 win over the same opponents in the first round.