by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala
Results
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DMark Power’s Ben Komaketch was in good form as the defendingchamps struggled to win. PHOTO: EDDIE CHICCO
Men
DMark Power 90-88 Warriors
Women
Mak Sparks 80-85 Leopards
Today (YMCA)
Ndejje v UCU (6.30pm)
Crane High v Vegetarian (2pm)
Gulu Hawks v Bush Courts (11am)
Rhions v Berkley (9.30pm)
TLC v Diamond (12.30pm)
Women
Nabisunsa v UCU (3.30pm)
Leopards v Mak Cubs (5pm)
Kyambogo Warriors’ guard Albert Aciku was 5.5 seconds away from heroism but watched in dismay as his shot struck the rim as his team lost 88-90 to champs DMark Power in the MTN-Fuba National Basketball League at Lugogo Indoor Stadium on Friday.
Aciku’s shot crowned a dramatic night for the mammoth crowd who sat on the edge of their seats as the frenzy-filled game swung both ways with each of the two sides trying to maintain their unbeaten starts to the season.
Despite Aciku’s flawed shot, Ronnie Kasewu was the most downbeat player as his aesthetic game-high 33 points failed to propel his side, who only amassed 16 points from the charity line as opposed to Power’s 22.
While Power have backed on fourth quarter explosions to win their last four games, reigning MVP Ben Komaketch’s 15 points (11 of which came in the decisive quarter) needed aid from musicians GNL, Weasal and Mowzey Radio to invigorate the side.
The artistes, donning Power jackets, took center stage in between the third and fourth quarters collectively praising the champions in their lyrics which seemed to pick them up from the gallows as they trailed by 10 points (56-66) after three quarters.
“It’s been a lot of hard work for us to get this far. We never give up until the buzzer sounds,” Brian Wathum, the Power coach, told Sunday Monitor. Wathum’s side outscored Warriors 34-22 in the final quarter by employing a full-court press pitching camp in the latter’s paint.
Joshua Etalu added 27 while Richard Okias sunk 14 but Power was kept afloat courtesy of Isaac Afidra and Joseph Ikong scoring 15 and 14 points respectively.
In the women’s league, Makerere Sparks lost 80-85 to 2007 champions KCC Leopards.