- UCU Canons 80-81 Power
Time immemorial, basketball has been a game of momentum. If it swings your way at the right time, you can easily win a game and the opposite is true.
Power’s 81-80 win over UCU Canons on Sunday night at YMCA was a reflection of how momentum shift can change a basketball game.
In the first two quarters of the game, the university side struggled to execute on offensive end as Power, through skipper Joseph Ikong, Paul Odong and vet Isaac Afidra paced the five-time champions to a double digit lead.
The Canons however chipped away and trailed by just 7 points with Fadhil Chuma’s dunk on the drive seemingly breathing some life into UCU who ran riot in the third quarter.
Steven Wundi, who was scoreless in the first half, started cooking from deep as Tanzanian point guard Joas Maheta controlled the traffic in Wandegeya. The Canons outscored Power 31-20 in the frame and led by 4 points (59-55) after three.
Turning Point
There were several lead changes in the final frame of the game and it was clear it would go to the wire and indeed the thrilling game was decided with the second last possession.
Power coach Arnold Lando called a time out with 25 seconds to play and his side down 78-77. On return, Afidra put Power ahead 79-77 with 14 seconds. Nicholas Natuhereza then called for time after which skipper Jonathan Egau put the Canons back lead (80-79).
With 6 seconds on the clock, Michael Makiadi found Ikong behind UCU’s defense with the inbound pass and the guard-forward laid in.
The Canons had four second for a game winner but they fumbled with the ball on the final play of the game and Power survived to earn their second win of the season.
Top Performers
Michael Makiadi led Power with 18 points, Isaac Afidra and Paul Odong contributed 17 apiece while Ikong contributed 16 points.
For UCU, Egau netted game high 21 points in a losing effort and so were Wundi, Maheta and Chuma with 16, 11 and 17 respectively.
