UCU Lady Canons seek lifeline against rampant KCCA
Namuwaya (R) was a thorn in the flesh of UCU Lady Canons on Sunday. The KCCA Leopards players poured in 27 points to lead her side to a 74-64 victory in Game Five at YMCA Court in Wandegeya that helped them take a 3-2 lead in the Best of the Seven playoff series final. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA
What you need to know:
- KCCA, though, have the momentum going into the game with the front court trio of Martha Soigi, Muhayimina Namuwaya and Larrisa Katungeko on fire.
KAMPALA.
Just a fortnight ago, UCU Lady Canons seemed to be coasting to a sixth National Basketball League (NBL) title as they led 2-0 against KCCA Leopards in their Best of Seven playoff series final.
But after losing three straight games, the defending champions could be dethroned this evening when the two teams meet at YMCA Court in Game Six of the finals.
“We are in a position where no excuse counts in my book,” said UCU coach Nick Natuhereza ahead of what is a decisive game for his team. “For as long as we are alive and healthy we have to go out there and fight for our lives. Short of that our season will be as good as over.”
There have been worries about the Lady Canons losing focus as a result of the end of year academic obligations at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono but Natuhereza says that notion does not count.
“We have played these games in the past. That is including last season when we were champions. So it is not a valid excuse I am willing to use,” he reasoned.
KCCA, though, have the momentum going into the game with the front court trio of Martha Soigi, Muhayimina Namuwaya and Larrisa Katungeko holding an advantage over the Vilma Ahieng-captained UCU Lady Canons.
“Now that we have the advantage, we shall fight to finish off the series on Wednesday (today),” said Namuwaya. She top scored with 27 points in Sunday’s 74-64 Game Five victory while Soigi averaged 12.1 points and eight rebounds in the opening four games compared to 10 for Achieng in the same period.
PEPSI NBL PLAYOFF FINALS
Today - Game Six at YMCA 7pm
KCCA Leopards vs. UCU Lady Canons
(KCCA lead Best of Seven Series 3-2)
