Men: D’Mark Power 64-80 UCU Canons
Women: A-1 Challenge 67-30 Gladiators
UCU Canons took an early lead in the Airtel FUBA quarter final play offs after trouncing much fancied D’Mark Power 80-64 in an entertaining game played at Lugogo Indoor stadium.
Besides the second quarter which Power led 17-16, the Mukono University side were on top of the proceedings in all quarters winning the first, third and fourth quarters by 23-17, 21-13 and 19-18 points respectively. Canon’s Owili Desmond Blacio was Power’s tormentor in chief contributing 22 points followed by Tanzanian import Ulanga Suudi with 14 and Oundo Martin Okwako with 14 points.
Despite having an indifferent game, Power’s Ben Komakech and last season’s MVP Afidra Isaac Paul contributed 16 points and 15points respectively and still remained the team’s best performers on the day.
After yesterday (Friday)’s game, D’Mark Power will now require nothing short of victory in the second game if they are to set up a mouth watering third tie and also remain with the hope of reaching the semis and perhaps make it to the finals in order to defend their title for a third year in a row.
In the ladies game played, A-1 Challenge overcame Gladiators beat 67-36 in a one sided game that preceeded the men’s game. Nassolo Victoria Ntale and Kassim Hatima made 20 and 14 points respectively for the 2005 champions.
Meanwhile, there was delayed kick off for men’s game as umpires refused to officiate the game asking for FUBA officials to clear their arrears. FUBA officials pleaded with them promising money the next day (Saturday) but all fell on deaf ears. At one moment, the officials had to call police to intervene by forcefully restricting the rebellious umpires from watching the games if they were not ready to officiate. The situation later normalised with FUBA opting for other officials to officiate the game.
