Warriors vs Falcons: Down to the finer details

2012 fuba final: It’s been a season awash with drama and excitement. But now, it’s down to the two teams that will compete for the championship. SCORE’s Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo is fancying Warriors to win the title in six matches

Warriors vs Falcons: Down to the finer details

The warning signs were there for DMark Power and Warriors, the finalists for each of the past three years, all season.

Only the latter responded positively as the stakes were raised by Falcons, KIU Titans and UCU Canons. Power, champions in three of the past four years, were knocked out 2-1 by UCU Canons in the quarterfinals.

Their conquerors went down 3-2 to Warriors who consequently booked a fourth successive appearance in the finals which starts tomorrow at YMCA court.

Here, they will meet an old foe in Falcons attempting to wrestle a record-stretching seventh title but first since the come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Warriors in 2007.

It’s also Falcons’ first qualification for the best-of-seven finals since losing 3-1 to Power in 2008. The sleeping giant is back and the series will come down to these key matchups.

Blick vs Omony
Norman Blick or Stephen Omony. That’s an argument fans never cease to hold in regard to who the greater player is. Their matchup will be more important than any argument is the terraces.

It went a long way in deciding the two regular season games. During the first round encounter, Norman guarded Omony to restrict the Falcon to only seven points, making one of nine from downtown.

Warriors won 73-53 with Norman scoring 15, eight of those in the fourth period. Omony returned the favour in the return fixture, scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds while keeping Norman to six in Falcons’ 73-65 revenge.

Norman is very good on transition and has a good eye setting up teammates when he penetrates. However, he doesn’t possess the lethal shooting hand of Omony.

Omony, who has not won with Falcons since returning from Seychelles in 2009 has a mid-range jumper to turn to and is one of the best perimeters shooters. His rebounding is also crucial to the team.

Over the years, the two have really cherished being the go-to men. No wonder the experiment of having them play together at Miracle Eagles last season stalled with a 3-1 semi-finals defeat by Power.
Advantage Falcons

Malinga vs Ameny
The dearth of consistent players on the inside has made Philip Ameny Falcons’ most important player. He is relishing the role – at least if the flurry of dunks is anything to go by.

The 21 points and 11 rebounds in the 72-57 Game Five semi-final win over KIU Titans is something Ameny has made a habit. He is willing to use his size and win his battles.

However, Ameny lacks support as Brian Ssentogo and Edwin Kateregga have been lacklustre. This often gets him into foul trouble and Warriors will exploit it. Like we saw in the Game Two semi-final 66-56 win over UCU when he scored 17 points and six rebounds, Ameny’s opposite, veteran Henry Malinga, is still capable of turning games.
Advantage Falcons