The UCU Canons are up for another test of the second round when they take on Falcons at the MTN Arena in Lugogo.
Canons (9-4) lost to Falcons (10-2) in the first round 71-75 but has not lost a single game since then averaging 70.6 points and allowing an average of 45.2 points in the five straight wins recorded.
Canons go into this game off a 78-41 win over fellow university side Nkumba Marines a game in which
Nicholus Natuhereza used his top players sparingly most playing under 20 minutes giving his relatively strong bench a go.
Much as one would consider Falcons-Canons a big game, UCU’s forward, Martin Okwako looks at it as a usual game. “Basketball is the same it doesn’t matter who you play.
It’s about small things; extra pass, less turnovers, free throws and rebounds” Okwako said. Canons are behind Falcons but tied at 22 points in the local basketball premier men’s division and a win will see the university side leap over Falcons. “We will play hard and smart” Okwako told Kawowo Sports.
Since losing to Warriors 53-73 and posting their season low, record champions, Falcons have won five in a row averaging 77.6 points and allowing 51.8 ppg. The first round win against Canons sparked Falcons’ 5 game winning streak and will go to 6 if former champions complete a double on UCU. “One who plays defense and scores more takes the game” Falcons’ center, Philp Ameny said.
Not much separates both teams in terms of size especially in the front court as the two team have atleast 5 players to alternate in the positions. “The team that makes the fewest mistakes takes the day but we will come to win and that is our primary goal” UCU’s Okwako told Kawowo Sports.
Meanwhile, UCU’s lady side will have to keep out Carol Nyafwono and Racheal Nanyonga to maintain their unbeaten run this season as they play last year’s playoff visitors Magic Stormers in the women’s division.
Both teams go into the fixture off big wins but back-to-back-to-back champions, Lady Canons are overwhelming favourites in every game they play. UCU’s big three, Purity Adhiambo, Peace Proscovia and Loraine Akinyi picked up double-doubles against Lady Marines but Stormers are relatively a stronger opposition for similar stat lines.
