FUBA League: Ndejje outclasses Charging Rhinos

Nkumba ladies 51 Magic Stormers 40

Ndejje University 70 Charging Rhinos 44

They might have lost a number of their stars to other teams but the Ndejje University Angels can still spring surprises after beating the Charging Rhinos 70-44 at YMCA on Wednesday.

Playing without guards Jonah Otim, Michael Othieno and centre Brian Sentongo, Ndejje exhibited their usual fighting spirit, with new recruits Innocent Ochera and Seder Segamba leading scorers with 19 and 15 points respectively.

The University side led through ending the first half 35-25 before stepping up their defence in the third quarter to extend their lead by 16 points.

Ndejje dominated in all departments limiting the Rhinos' top scorers on the day Joseph Otyek (9pts), Godfrey Otim (8pts) and Swaib Kalungi (7pts) to just 24 points among themselves.

In the ladies' game Nkumba Lady Marines' Brenda Ekone was in devastating form scoring 19 points and 6 rebounds as they saw off Magic Stormers who only had Aisha Kabange (14pts) in double figures.

Having lost their top stars like Ruth Meeme, Rachael Nanyonga and Carol Nyafwono to other rivals the Stormers were below par despite the fighting spirit of captain Sylivia Alanda (8pts) and Jacky Natocho (6pts).

Nkumba Lady Marines' Brenda Ekone (L) and Catherine Haruri (R) fight for a rebound with Magic Stormers' Esther Apolot (2nd L) and Sylivia Alanda at YMCA. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Meanwhile despite their slow start in their opening game against the Sharing Youth last Sunday, which they eventually won 81-65, Tiger Head Power coach Brian Wathum expects his side to compete favourably against the Pemba Warriors when the two sides meet in the FUBA league on Friday.

"I expect my team to compete in each and every other game, regardless of who we field. We are not depleted as some people think. We are still bolstering our roster and we shall continue to practice hard to make sure our game play adjusts to the NBL competition," Wathum said.

"Our expectation this year is to get a good seeding and compete in the playoffs. Anything can happen at that point; our new recruits have played at the regional level and are up to the challenge," he vowed. 

Power captain Joseph Ikong is again expected to lead the offense alongside new acquisition Athieng Lual, Michael Makiadi and point guard Fahmy Ssebatindira who in the previous game all finished in double figures.

A-1 Challenge is also back in their second game of the season against the KIU Rangers who they defeated 58-44 last week.

Friday                                             

KIU Rangers v A-1 Challenge

Pemba Warriors v Power