Sunday Fixtures (Lugogo):
UCU Lady Canons vs. A1 Challenge – 1.30pm
KCCA vs. JKL – 3.30pm
UCU Canons vs. City Oilers – 5.30pm
Power vs. KIU Titans – 7.30pm
While history suggests that Power are a much better team than KIU Titans, the current sets of players at the two sides gives the university side the edge in comparison.
The Titans, who boast of having former champions like Norman Blick and Henry Malinga, are only searching for their maiden appearance in the finals while their opponents are five time winners.
KIU went into the series as odds-on favourites to win and appear in the finals and their opening 70-69 win in game one may not have been that convincing but it won over a few more doubting souls.
“Many people don’t give us a chance but we believe we can defeat anyone in the league,” Power interim coach Arnold Lando said before the first game of the series.
After the loss in game one, Power, motivated by their deal with online betting company Betway, comprehensively beat the Titans 83-67 to level the series and send a message to their opponents.
Led by 2011 MVP Isaac Afidra, who poured in 20 points, Power slaughtered KIU in every aspect and will rely on that performance in game three Sunday night.
The explosion of Michael Kojjo and captain Joseph Ikong’s consistence in the playoffs gave Power a different face that was more than surviving on the full court press which was easily beaten by KIU in game one.
“We want to get into the finals and try to win a championship, 2011 is a very long time and are all not happy about it,” Ikong told this website after the win on Thursday.
KIU coach Hamza Nyambogo revealed that his side only needed rest as they wait to recover from the loss and play their best basketball.
“We have been resting. We only did some shooting today (Saturday),” Nyambogo told Kawowo Sports before revealing that his side “were bullied” in game two.
“They hustled us out and we lost our composure,” the Kenyan tactician told this website.
The other games of the day will have defending champions City Oilers trying to complete their series against UCU Canons. Mandy Juruni’s side lead the series 2-0 and are still favourites in game three.