After weeks of speculations and anticipations, the encounter between the Rubaga based Miracle Eagles and the defending champions Warriors was underway. The game was always going to be a classic and I could say, it was certainly the most important game for both teams in the second round. Both teams, Warriors and Eagles have been eyeing the only playoff spot “fourth spot” that was left after Falcon, Power and UCU had confirmed theirs.
Whichever team would win was going to remain favorite to keep for keeps this fourth playoff spot. The game was highly contested straight from the first quarter, Warriors taking the 1st quarter 22:18. Francis Kasekende, a former Warrior was determined to hurt his former employers putting up possibly the most stunning performance of his career.
Inspired by icon, Steven Omony, the eagles were truly out to play for their first playoffs in the entire club history but the defending champions stuck to their book, with Malinga Eric and Steven Okias consistently executing with uttermost precision. Martin Okwako was always not short of amazing with his display of glorious post moves. Kasewu Ronnie and Abdullahi Ramathani were always pulling off “magic made it moves” and Michael Karuiki was very effective on the night.
The Warriors had a good lead even up to the end of the third quarter with the scores as 53:44 but in the last quarter, Steven Omony would take charge pull off major clutch moves and the game coming with 2 points reach for the eagles at 71:69 with under a 2 minutes to play.
Unfortunately, for the Eagles, Steven Omony is fouled out with just 1:10 to play and Miracle with a 2 point deficit and this would change the fate of the game given the nature of experience that was to Miracle. Francis Kasekende attempted to bring it under reach with three free throws after he was fouled attempting a three point shot at 73:76 but with seconds to play, all efforts to foul to stop the clock were futile for the eagles as the two players they fouled, Ronnie Kasewu was 2 out of 2 and Okias was 1 of 2 on the charity line.
Now Warriors are officially in playoffs in the number four spot and will face whoever finishes as number one. Notably, Warriors will play against St Michael in their final round two game, a game you don’t expect St Michael to win. Miracle will play against Falcon last but even though they win, their head to head stats with Warriors will not give them any hope for playoffs.
In other encounters, Dmark Power simply ridiculed St Michael with a 139:74 victory, Wanitho Robert finshing with a record 12 boards. Charging Rhinos were comfortable winners over Diamonds in the sun while MBC Rocks snatched a win against Vegetarian to go into the 2nd division playoffs in 4th place.
By Cucu Brian