by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya
Game One results
DMark Power 94-62 KIU
Rangers 49- 75 Leopards
Today at YMCA
Div 3: Kings v Diamond 12pm
Div 2: Berkley v Rhino 2pm
Div 1: Power v KIU 6pm
Wom: Rangers v Leopards 4pm
DMark Power and KCC Leopards made one step towards the MTN-Fuba League final play-offs after they eased to semi-final victories over Kampala International University (KIU) men and women sides respectively at YMCA on Friday night.
Whereas KCC Leopards’ 75-49 victory was no surprise, Powers’ 94-62 commanding win, moreover on a rainy night and soggy surface, left KIU coach Nimrod Kaboha with a lot to think about going into Game Two of the best-of-five series this evening.
KIU are the only team to have beaten reigning champions Power in the regular season but like coach Kaboha had acknowledged, the play-offs stage is quite different. Many had anticipated KIU to reproduce their heroics that saw them soil Power’s regular season clean sheet with an 89-80 victory last month but at the end of the game they must have left wondering whether this series will live to the billing.
KIU’s start was promising as they finished the first quarter leading 26-18 but a lengthy break prompted by the totally unwelcome down pour, conspired with an unforgettable third quarter to deny them victory in Game One.
The rain spoilt the night for the hundreds of fans and reminded the sport’s administrators that basketball is an indoor game but Power cared less. After resumption they recomposed to pound KIU 21-12, 28-7 and 27-17 in the final three sessions. “If the boys remain composed, I believe we can win the series 3-0,” DMark Power technical director Peter Mubanda predicted. Joseph Ikong launched his quest for the play-offs MVP accolade with a game high 22 points, the impressive Isaac Afidra added 17 and Ben Komakech 15 for Power.
Despite scoring a team high 20 points, Michael Karuiki hardly troubled Power’s defense, Markmort Orom garnered 17 and Moses Olobo 15 or the university side.