National University Games 2023(Basketball)

Women

Victoria 54 UCU 62

Men

Makerere  49 KIU 55

Tomorrow

Women

UCU v MUBS

Uganda Christian University(UCU) women's basketball team defeated Victoria University 62-54 in a hotly contested semifinal last night to brighten their chances of claiming gold at the 19th edition of the  National University Games that are ongoing in Mukono.

UCU is the reigning champion after winning gold at the 18th edition of the games that were hosted by the University of Kisubi (UNIK) in 2019.

However, Victoria came into the tie as East Africa champions when they defeated UCU in Ndejje last year.

But, UCU utilised the home court advantage and handed them a sweet revenge in a nail-biting match that was played under floodlights.

The home side was stimulated by their stars who have National Basketball League (NBL) experience like Azida Nabayunga, Shakira Nanvubya, Tracy Namugosa, and Shillah Lamunu proved a superior side despite Victoria's point guard Fildauce Namuleme's resilience.

The crowd's reaction to stimulate the team was immediate and were also excited by the Canon's unrelenting two points shooting.

Both teams came with no blinks but rather their eyes were on the ball because UCU was aiming at cementing its supremacy whereas Victoria wanted to make history by winning the championship on their debut.

To reach this level, UCU edged Makerere 86-26 as well as a walkover against Kampala University.

UCU head coach Nick Natuhereza commended the home crowd for cheering up the girls.

"It's a good win. We were playing a side that defeated us last season in a similar final but thank God we have won it," said Natuhereza.

"Every time we play at home, it gives the players an extra boost which is a big plus for us."