Selected Results
Men
Semis:
•UPDF 12-16 DemBoyz
•UCU Canons 11-9 Bucks
Final
•DemBoyz 17-22 UCU Canons
Women
Semis:
•Generals 09-11 UCU Lady Canons
•Aces 17-13 KIU Rangers
Final:
•UCU Lady Canons 17-05 Aces
Yes, the basketball season is back!
UCU teams were crowned the men and women Champions on Sunday during the inaugural KIU 3X3 Basketball tournament.
The Mukono-based side teams took home Sh500,000 each as prize money for topping the two-day event held in Kansanga.
The UCU men’s team of Ibanda Lwabaga, Jerry Kayanga, Rogers Dauna and Peter Sifuma beat Dem Boys (Daniel Manoja, Michael Makiadi, Chris Omanye and Tonny Drilleba) 22-17 in the final.
It was sweet revenge for UCU who earlier lost to Dem Boys 16-12 in Pool A match on Saturday but had done enough to seal a place in Sunday’s knockout where they beat Governors (Quarterfinals) and Bucks (Semifinals).
The UCU Lady Canons on the other hand, eased past Aces (Maureen Amoding, Ruth Atuheire, Peace Nakirija and Martha) 17-5 in what turned out to be a one-sided final.
Comprising of Hajjara Najjuko, Maimuna Nabbosa, Rose Akon and Ruth Letaru, UCU had also earlier lost to Aces 14-12 in Pool A on Saturday.
In a tough Pool A, they won two of the five games, losing to Generals, KIU and ACES.
But they managed to oust a star-studded Generals side (Brenda Ekone, Hope Akello, Ritah Imanishimwe and Zainah Lokwameri) 11-9 to storm the final.
More On The Cards – Nicholas Natuhereza
FUBA Technical Director and 3X3 coordinator Nicholas Natuhereza said that they have more 3×3 engagements lined up.
In fact, action returns next weekend for the FUBA 3X3 tournament which was pushed from last weekend.
“We are yet to confirm the venue for the FUBA 3X3 tournament, we will have known by Thursday I guess, but we are looking at either Lugogo or Nakasero,” Natuhereza told The-SportsNation.
“We will use the FUBA tournament to select the national teams – Under 23 and Open – ahead of upcoming engagements that is Africa Cup and U23 Nations League.”
Natuhereza who doubles as the UCU coach, confirmed that Sunday’s champions bagged Sh500,000 while runners took home Sh250,000.
The 3×3 basketball, a variation of basketball played three-a-side with one backboard and in a half-court setup, is yet to become a popular format in the country.
“The tournament was good, there were not too many challenges so we just have to figure out how to make it more competitive and entertaining and also get more resources and sponsors so that we can give out more including more prizes,” Natuhereza added.
“Some athletes who have played it (3×3) have made strides but some are still struggling to adapt.”
