by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya
Saturday results
Biston Planets 48-86 Kings
MBC Rocks 60-48 Crane High
Marines 93-70 KCC Lions
Women
KCC Leopards 119-19 Stomers
A-1 Challenge 101-43 Bucks
MTN-Fuba League men’s champions DMark Power had a dream of sailing through their regular season fixtures without losing. That dream was, however, dashed when they fell to Kampala International University (KIU) 80-89 at YMCA Wandegeya on Friday night.
The three-time champions had gone 13 games without defeat and were hopeful of repeating the 1999 feat when their first loss came in the play-off finals. The loss to KIU has prompted some to predict that Power could drop more points and maybe surrender their title since they have suffered a dip in confidence.
But Isaac Afidra, one of Power’s best players on a night when they struggled to get their act together against KIU, remains upbeat the champions are still on the right track.
“I know most people are happy that we have lost,” Afidra, who complained of off-ball harsh treatment from his former KIU teammates, said. “What you forget is that we can afford to lose more games since we have already qualified for the play-offs,” he added.
“Actually our focus is now the play-offs and we don’t care whichever team we meet in the semifinals.” Power are currently vying for top slot with Warriors but could finish second in case of another loss. That would put them in line to face record champions Falcons, a team they defeated to win last year’s title. Falcons have already secured third place.
With a balanced team, Power struggled to match the Michael Karuiki-inspired KIU despite taking a 43-34 lead into recess and most players looked worn out after two sessions. Power technical director, Peter Mubanda blamed the loss on poor rotation in the opening two quarters.