by Sande Bashaija
Wandegeya
Game 5 results
Warriors 87-86 Power
KCC 67-59 Leopards
Past winners (Since 2002)
2008 – Power
2007 – Falcons
2006 – Marines
2005 – Marines
2004 – Falcons
2003 – Falcons
2002 – Falcons
Women
2008 – Lady Canons
2007 – KCC Leopards
2006 – Lady Bucks
2005 – A-1 Challenge
2004 – Lady Bucks
2003 – Mak Sparks
2002 – Lady Bucks
‘You need more than Power to win the Fuba League Championship’, read one placard ‘sneaked’ into YMCA Wandegeya by a section of Warriors’ fans on Wednesday night.
The fans’ message was clear. They had lots of confidence in their team and knew that Warriors were finally winning their maiden title.
The Warriors replicated the fraternity’s unwavering support, beating Power 87-86 to win the seven-game series 4-1. “It feels good to be a champion,” Warriors big man Brian Gumisiriza said after the dramatic Game Five that came to a nervous climax.
“We came into the series as underdogs and I think Power undermined us,” he explained, “that’s why we have defeated them.” Wednesday’s game, only rivaled in entertainment by upcoming dancer Zaidi’s performance at halftime, could have gone Power’s way had two-time MVP Norman Blick (11 points) not opted to pass after Isaac Afidra’s inbound with five seconds on the clock. Joseph Ikong, too, could have won it for Power had he not tried to con referee Mande Baker.
But there is no denying that victory went to a side that worked so hard for it even as Power managed to get into one point of victory despite trailing by 10 at the end of third quarter. “They were better prepared,” Power star Isaac Afidra, who scored a game high 26 points conceded. Ronnie Kasewu top scored for Warriors with 19 points, Kenyan Martin Okwako had 17 and Steven Okias added 16 for Warriors. Warriors will be in Rwanda next week for the Africa Clubs championship.
Led by Flavia Oketcho, KCC Leopards defeated arch-rivals A-1 Challenge 67-59 to complete a 4-1 rout of the series.