BASKETBALL: Power survive Sharing scare

National Basketball League

Women: KIU 52 Javon 47

Men: Power 52 Sharing 51

The Sharing Youth trailed Power from the very start, at one juncture by 15 points. 

But with seven seconds to go, after Power captain Joseph Ikong missing a pair of free throws, Sharing got possession and all they had to do was score two more points to get their first ever victory over the five-time National Basketball League (NBL) champions.

They scored… but a second too late. 

Stephen Otoa grabbed a game-high 12 points and 11 rebounds for Sharing while Michael Makiadi snatched a team-high 11 points and 10 rebounds for Power in a close battle that went down to the very wire and… even beyond. 

Sharing's Alaine Ndikuriyo converted an uncontested layup that came just one second after the final buzzer and Power escaped with a 52-51 win. 

It was a dramatic game and a commendable fight from Raymond Muhumuza's Sharing, who trailed 20-5 in the first quarter but refused to capitulate against more fancied opponents.

Sharing were looking to end their five-game losing streak while Power were in search of their 10th win in 13 NBL matches. 

Sharing had several opportunities to take the lead before Ndikuriyo's ill-fated layup, including two wide open threes and a clean lay-up for skipper Tony Okello.

With 28 seconds to play, Okello had the chance to tie the game at 52-51 when Power were assessed a technical foul for insulting a referee. He missed it. 

In the women's affair, Florence Nanyonga had a game-high 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead the KIU Rangers to 52-47 victory over the Javon Ladies.

The latter were led by Sylvia Nakazibwe (19 points) and Ruth Atuhairwe (13). 

Friday (YMCA)

Women: KIU v Nkumba

Men: Power v Our Saviour