By Charles Mutebi
Today: MTN-FUBA League
Division 1: Men
Falcons v Marines
Canons v Warriors
Women
A1 v Canons
Stormers v Cubs
Nabisunsa v Leopards
WHO said the Mountain Dew Falcons have qualified for the MTN-FUBA playoffs? Well, they haven’t and judging by the form book, they might not.
After back-to-back losses in their last two matches, Falcons go into today’s encounter with the Nkumba Marines desperate to avoid being dragged into a late-season race for post season berths.
The record six-time national champions are third in the men’s first division with 25 points, with Marines two points adrift in sixth.
But a win would lift Timothy Odeke’s troops to fourth, one point behind Falcons.
Such a scenario would put Falcons in a four-horse race for the last two playoff tickets with Marines, Miracle, and the in-form KIU side.
With only three rounds left in the regular season, and with Falcons still to play champions D’Mark Power, it would be a huge a risk to take.
Victory is paramount for Steven Omony’s side yet it is far from certain.
Henry Malinga’s injury layoff has significantly weakened Falcons as their losses to Miracle Eagles and KIU proved.
Malinga is irreplaceable and without him Falcons can be beaten by decent mid-table sides like Marines.
Omony’s presence helps but Falcons are not quite the same without Malinga. On the other hand, Falcons will be missing starters Isaac Luggudde and Sunday Okot who are suspended.
Standings
Teams P W L P
Power 15 14 1 29
Warriors 13 12 1 25
Falcons 14 10 5 25
Miracle 16 8 8 24
KIU 15 8 7 23
Marines 14 8 7 23
Ndejje 15 6 9 21
UCU 15 4 11 19
Riders 14 2 12 16
KCC 15 2 13 17