National Basketball League Friday fixtures at Lugogo
Women: Javon Ladies vs KIU Rangers 6.00pm
Men: KIU Titans vs Pemba Warriors 8.00pm
Sunday fixtures at YMCA
Women
Gladiators vs Lioness 09.30am
A1 Challenge vs Magic Stormers 1130am
JKL Lady Dolphins vs UCU Lady Canons 3.30pm
Men
Betway Power vs Nkumba Marines 1.30pm
Falcons vs City Oilers 5.30pm
UCU Canons vs Our Saviour 7.30pm
Long before Betway became sponsors of National Basketball League side Power; the club had built themselves an unwanted reputation of posting poor performances on Sundays. Last Sunday, the five-time champions reawakened that demon as they succumbed to their second defeat of the season losing 85-75 to UPDF.
In a bid to avoid a similar scenario, Power coach Arnold ‘Mchuda’ has warned of tougher consequences for his charges ahead of Sunday’s game against lowly Nkumba Marines. “We cannot allow the issue to happen again and there will be sanctions going forward,” warned Mchuda. Power surrendered 24-20 and 40-34 leads after the opening two quarters against a UPDF side that at the time had an identical 2-7 record with their next opponents Nkumba.
Betway Power goes into the game in fourth position on the log with a 6-2 record. Forward Michael Makiadi is third on the scorers list thus far with as averages 17 points after eight games. They play a lowly Nkumba side that has struggled on their return to the top division after two seasons out. The two-time champions are second from bottom only bettering Falcons by virtue of playing a game more to stand at 11 points.
Warriors engage Titans
The biggest game of the weekend though should today (Friday’s) fixture between Pemba Warriors and KIU Titans. The two teams have both been in fine form this season with the only blemish on their records coming in the losses to champions City Oilers. Warriors warmed up for today’s game with a hard-fought 68-59 win over Sharing Youth. The result improved the Ronnie Mutebi coached side to a 7-1 sequence.
Forward Mike Buzangu’s signature coast to coast drives will be a key highlight with the Rwandan forward scoring 21 points on Wednesday. He is averaging 17.8 points thus far. Statistically, KIU Titans have been the best team in the division so far and come into the game with a league best 8-1 record.
Guard Chris Omanye is averaging a team high 11.6 points while Sudi Ulanga, benefitting from more minutes this season, scored a game high 24 points in a 30-minute showing of the 91-55 rout of Falcons on Sunday.