By Ian Asabo and Israel Kisakye
Uganda Christian University (UCU) basketball teams, the UCU Canons and Lady Canons continued their unstoppable form in the 3×3 format by winning the Kampala International University 3×3 basketball tournament on Sunday.
The men’s team won the invitational tournament by defeating Dem boyz 22-17 in the final while the ladies defeated Aces 17-5 to take a double swoop for both trophies.
The men’s team was represented by Peter Sifuma, Rogers Dauna, Jerry Kayanga and Umar Ibanda while the ladies’ team was represented by Rose Akon, Ruth Noela, Hajara Najjuko and Nabossa Maimunah.
The win further consolidates UCU’s reputation as the best team in the whole region after their winning exploits at the Afro Varsity 3×3 games in Nairobi late last year which booked their ticket to the World Cup this October.
Head Coach Nicholas Natuhereza praised both teams’ efforts during the tournament as they overcame the challenges to win the tournament. “I am proud of the athletes who represented the university to yet another win, we faced challenges especially on day one with some defeats to the Lady Canons, but am proud that they pulled through and got the win”, he said.
He further added that preparations are in place to ensure that the teams are in the best possible shape to represent the continent when they travel to Xiamen, China for the University 3X3 World Cup this year.
“It is important that we are able to prepare for the main event which is the world cup in October which I think is our main target right now, we are still happy for the win obviously”, he added.
The victory on Sunday was the first for some players on the team like Noela Ruth Letaru who praised the fighting spirit of the team even after a few setbacks.
“I am glad that we were able to win the first 3×3 tournament for many of us, we lost some games on day one but we did not give up and it all paid off.”
Both teams walked away with Shs. 500,000 cash prize.
Selected results
Men
UCU 22-17 Dem Boyz (final)
UCU 11- 9 Bucks (semifinal)
UCU 21- 11 Governors (Quarterfinal)
Women
UCU 17-5 Aces (final)
UCU 11- 9 Generals (semifinal)
