By Victor Turinawe
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons have progressed to the quarter-finals of the 8th Afro Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship after winning both of their group-stage matches in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Represented by Martina Anyango, Shillah Lamunu, Sylvia Nakituuka and Zoe Atek, the Lady Canons produced dominant performances to finish top of Pool B.
UCU opened their campaign with a 21–3 victory over Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) before defeating the University of Abuja 21–11 in their second group match.
The two victories gave the Lady Canons a perfect record in the group stage, scoring 42 points and conceding only 14. They averaged 21 points per game and finished as Pool B leaders.
The University of Abuja finished second in the group after registering one win from two matches, while ABUAD ended their campaign without a victory.
Meanwhile, the UCU Canons remained in contention for a place in the knockout stages after splitting their opening two matches in the men’s competition.
Represented by Flore Dushime, Joel Kayiira, Solomon Olara and Marvin Okurut, the Canons began with a hard-fought 17–13 victory over Obafemi Awolowo University of Nigeria before falling 20–17 to Nile University of Nigeria.
The men’s side registered a 50 per cent win record from their opening two games, scoring 34 points at an average of 17 points per game.
Their final group-stage fixture was scheduled against the University of Cape Coast from Ghana as they sought qualification to the quarter-finals.
The Afro Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship, which serves as Africa’s qualification pathway to the FISU 3×3 World Cup, began on 29 May and concludes on 1 June 2026.
With a place in the quarter-finals already secured, the Lady Canons will now await confirmation of their next opponents as they continue their pursuit of another continental title.
