There were a few loud whispers when Betway Power, who are chasing a sixth league title drew Ndejje University in the
National Basketball League playoff quarterfinals.
The university side had been one of three sides to inflict defeat on Power in the regular season in a result that ended their nine-game winning start.
By the end of the second game of their best of three playoff quarterfinals however it turned out the fears were unfounded as the five-time champions won both to progress to the playoff semifinals.
The opening game was ended as a contest after JKL failed to beat Betway Power’s full court press resulting into a 26-7 run third quarter run that wiped away Ndejje’s 28-27 halftime lead.
The turnaround was instigated by veteran Isaac Afidra who scored six of his 10 points in that period as Phillip Ameny added 14 and Geofrey Soro 12 to seal a 72-41 victory.
The second game proved tighter despite Power taking a 21-12 first quarter lead.
A Martin Buluma jumper saw Ndejje trail by only two points with 30 seconds left before Salim Kisily was sent to the charity line as they trailed by three with 19 seconds on the clock.
The latter however missed both free-throws while Michael Kojo converted at the other end to hand Power the series with an 84-77 victory.
Geofrey Soro top scored for Power with 20 points against his former side while Buluma dropped 21 points and Innocent Ochera added 17 for Ndejje.
Kojo added 13 and Ameny 12 for Power who now play JKL Dolphins in the best of five semifinals starting on Wednesday.
The latter also picked a 2-0 series win former champions Pemba Warriors on Sunday evening.
After Friday’s come-from-behind 63-59 win, JKL who came into the series as fifth seeds largely kept the fourth seeded Warriors at arm’s length in the second game.
Mike Othieno’s three pointer with just under a minute left in the final period threatened to save the Warriors from embarrassment as they clawed to within five points.
Brian Namake however quickly snuffed out that threat, converting both free throws and a layup to restore a nine point margin.
The forward finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds as Libe Makala top scored with 23 and Yesman Bushiri added 18 and Ivan Lumanyika 14 points for JKL.
Only Mark Opio reached double figures with 12 points for the Warriors who let slip a seven point lead late in Friday’s game one.
It will be the first ever playoff meeting between these two sides but Power won both regular season meetings between the two sides 82-60 and 68-65.
Wednesday at Lugogo
Betway Power vs JKL Dolphins
A1 Challenge vs JKL Lady Dolphins
Friday
City Oilers vs KIU Titans
KCCA Leopards vs UCU Lady Canons
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