by Sande Bashaija & James Ssekandi
Kampala
Today - Men
Nkumba Marines v Knight Riders
Ladies category
Nabisunsa v Mak Cubs
Amazon Rhino v Magic Stormers
Div 11 - Men
Bush Court v Mak Heaters
Friday results
Miracle 94-73 Marines
Ladies
Mak Cubs 44-57 Stormers
As the MTN-Fuba National League first round draws to a close, Nkumba Marines will be hoping for a change in fortunes when they face struggling Knight Riders at YMCA Wandegeya today.
The two-time champions have lost two successive games the most recent coming at the hands of Miracle Eagles at YMCA on Friday night. Marines were down 94-73 but will count themselves unlucky as they sniffed at victory with scores at 49-46 for Marines at the end of the third only for Miracle to breeze away in the last quarter.
Marines’ most consistent and best player so far, Julius Lutwama couldn’t start against Miracle due to a wrist injury but later came on to contribute 18 points. If Lutwama can turn up in good shape today, his combination with Phillip Wakimwero, a 19-point hero against the Eagles, Marines will fancy their chances of coasting to victory against Knight Riders.
With only one victory to their name, Riders are more than desperate to salvage their season. Today’s game is thus a good opportunity for them to try and launch a campaign against the ugly relegation monster.
Following Miracle’s triumph over Marines that was orchestrated by former MVP Boniface Okello (21 points), Yahaya Kalyesubula (14), Douglas Uwizera (14) and Godwin Khissa (11, Marines must beat Riders to remain with any hope for play-offs slot.
In the women’s only game played on Friday, Hilda Naigaga scored a game high 18 points and Florence Nakazibwe added 14 but Makerere Cubs surrendered an early lead to lose 44-57 to Magic Stormers.