by Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala
Results- Friday
KIU 82-65 Marines
Ndejje 81-82 Riders
Women
KCC 90-55 Sparks
Today
UCU v Falcons 5.30pm
St. Michael v Heaters 11.30am
Sky Jammers v Planets 10am
Women
MAK Sparks v Amazon 1pm
KCC v MAK Cubs 4pm
Ndejje University Angels and Nkumba Marines’ hopes of reaching the MTN-FUBA National Basketball League play-offs suffered huge setbacks as both sides lost their games on Friday night at YMCA court, Wandegeya.
Relegation-threatened Knight Riders edged Ndejje 82-81 while Marines were found wanting in their 65-82 loss to KIU whose coach Nimrod Kaboha was happy to welcome back many of his stars who have been away due to injury and recess at the Kansanga-based University.
Coach Walker Obedi left YMCA red-faced as Crispin Biko’s game-high 23 and Donald Ssali’s 20 points failed to rescue his fourth-placed side from Riders, with whom they earned promotion this season.
While Riders’ coach-player Colin Mukiza led his side with 18 points, it will be very little in easing his relegation fears as it was only the side’s second victory of the season in 12 games.
“We can’t give up the fight yet but it’s going to be a tall order. It’s important that we play in similar fashion and defend better,” Mukiza said.
Ndejje could take consolation in fifth-placed Marines losing to an unusually vibrant KIU side with the latter having four players sinking double figures.