By Dismas Nuwaine
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Canons triumphed in the match on Sunday, defeating City Oilers by a score of 60 to 50.
The heated semifinal clash is the third set of the five-set thriller expected to be played by teams that reach the semifinals in the National Basketball League.
The City Oilers won the first two sets, and the stage was set for the rich oil club to advance to the finals had they knocked out the UCU canons.
The Canons, however, were not to be defeated as they did their homework, putting up quite a spirited and solid performance.
Asked about the performance of the team, Samuel David Lukaire, the sports administrator at UCU, was really impressed with the team spirit exhibited by the Canons.
“We knew what needed to be done and we did it strongly. In sports, you take what you get and we’ll hope to build up on this performance,” assured Samuel.
Nicholas Natuhereza, the Canons’ basketball coach, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm immediately after the match was well won by his side.
“We won and stayed alive and I am very glad the boys put up a spirited fight and achieved success,” said Nicholas.
Fayed Baale was arguably the man of the evening as he single-handedly scored 14 points, had five rebounds and four assists.
The two teams are going to play their fourth set tomorrow, Wednesday, the 21st, which will give us a mirror on who to expect in the final.
With both sides looking for a decisive win so as to advance, this encounter is building up to be a mouthwatering contest of the heavy weights where survival is beyond doubt for the fittest.
“We expect the game to be tough against the Oilers, as it has been in all three sets we have played so far, but we have experience in these series and we do hope for the best,” assured Nicholas.
The winner of this duel will be set to play the flying Nam Blazers, who completely outplayed the Kampala International University Titans.
Meanwhile, UCU Lady Canons, swept Kampala International University Rangers three out of five to reach the playoff final. UCU Lady Canons beat KIU Rangers 65 to 40 points in the final game of the semifinal playoff.
They will be set to play the JKL Lady Dolphins, who defeated Kampala Capital City Authority in their semifinal clash.
“It’s going to be tough, they are two time defending champions but if we do our homework right then we have a fighting chance to upset them”, said Nicholas rather confidently.
