Defending champions , Warriors had to use everything they had to beat UCU for the first time this year leveling their best of five semi final series at 1 each in a very physically challenging game that ended in a dog fight.
Both teams equalled the energy in first quarter with each scoring 18 points. Warriors who were most desperate came into the 2nd quarter with more character , defensively and offensively overwhelming UCU to a 29:11 quarter win.
The third quarter was so physical and it's here that referees Mandy and Kirabo started to show some inconsistencies. UCU made the most of this dirty session winning the quarter, 14:7.
In the 4th quarter, the match officials ignored the most obvious calls and made unrealistic calls receiving booings from the capacity crowd because of their inconsistence. All the wrong calls were apparently seen to work in favour of the chasing UCU. A wrong foul call on Martin Okwako saw him getting fouled out and Ramathan Abdullahi's honest block was called as his fourth personal foul. The ref then rejected a clear cut foul as Jude Ocheng layed up. Seconds later, Robert Mugabe was rolling on the rubber floor of Lugogo claiming a punch from Jude. Mugabe's brother and UCU shooting guard Geofrey Omondi was furious, viciously attacking Jude and Michael Karuiki was getting involved and UCU's Sam was also getting involved in the scuffle that was quickly turning into a fight. The scene was ugly.
Warriors had a 12 point led at this point. The refs sought to resolve the situation by the ejection of Geofrey Omondi, Michael Karuiki and Sam who were escorted out of the arena by Anti riot police. A total of 7 players either faced ejection or fouled out including, Ramathan Abdullahi, Henry Malinga, Ivan Enabu and Martin Okwako.
Warriors 12 points was cut 4 in just 29 seconds as players lost their concentration after the scuffle.
A1 challenge also levelled their series against KCC Leaopards, 73:67 in a game in which A1 showed greater character.
By Cucu Brian