Canons set up decider after outsmarting Oilers

Desmond Owili and Jonathan Egau of UCU Canons challenge Jeff Omondi of City Oilers during the Airtel Fuba Pepsi National Basketball League final 6 at YMCA Wandegeya which UCU won 79-58. Photo by Ismail Kezaala 

UCU Canons have not been short of motivation in this year’s Pepsi Fuba League Playoffs finals.

After six semifinal heartaches, many had predicted a similar pattern for the Mukono side this year.

Instead, they could end up as champions if they can conjure up one more win against City Oilers at YMCA court in the deciding game seven this evening.

The Canons recorded a convincing 70-58 victory over back-to-back champions City Oilers on Tuesday night and leveled the best-of-seven finals at three apiece.
“That chokers’ tag is what motivates us,” UCU guard Innocent Oduor said recently.

Yesterday, Oduur and Ivan Lumanyika contributed 13 points apiece to complement Desmond Owili’s game-high 21 points that included five dunks to go level for the second time in the series.
This was in spite of Steven Wundi’s struggles, the rookie guard finishing with a series’ low three points after averaging 20 in the three previous games.

The Canons’ steely defense also had them outrebound their opponents, picking up 29 defensive rebounds as compared to 18 offensive boards for their opponents.

The Oilers, who trailed throughout the entire game after a slow start had Kami Kabange top score with 15 points while Geoffrey Omondi contributed 13 and Landry Ndikumana 10.

There could also be double joy for UCU coach Nick Natuhereza whose women’s team stand a chance of wrapping up their series own best-of-seven series with victory today against KCCA Leopards.

This followed a comfortable 72-57 Game Four victory yesterday that gave them a 3-1 series lead going into today.
The front court combination of Vilma Achieng and Purity Odhiambo did most of the damage, scoring 20 and 16 points respectively as well as picking a combined 20 boards for the Mukono side, who are looking to reclim the trophy from Leopards.

PEPSI FUBA LEAGUE PLAYOFF FINALS
MEN
UCU Canons 70-58 City Oilers
(Series tied 3-3)
WOMEN
UCU 72-57 KCCA
(UCU lead series 3-1)
TODAY AT YMCA
MEN

UCU vs. City Oilers, 8.30pm
WOMEN
UCU vs KCCA, 6.30pm

essenono@ug.nationmedia.com