Warriors desperately need Kasewu back

KAMPALA. Having led the team to two titles in 2009 and 2012, Ronnie Kasewu, also 2012 MVP, is often Warriors’ go-to guy.
His tendency to flourish in big games like the 25 and 23 points return in victories over City Oilers and Tiger Head Power during the regular season is why Warriors are desperate to have him back for today’s game at YMCA. The former MVP injured his lethal left hand last Sunday as Warriors went down 71-65 to Power in Game Two at Lugogo. Without him in Game Three on Tuesday, 2012 champions Warriors looked lost in the opening half as they went on to lose 67-64. Power seized the opportunity to swing the series into their favour, taking a 2-1 lead.
“We really lacked his leadership,” Warriors coach Gad Eteu admitted yesterday. The good news for them is that the shooting guard could make a surprise return despite being stitched following a tear between his fingers in Sunday’s Game Two that leveled the series for Power. “I expect him to play some part tomorrow (today),” Eteu revealed.
Whether his return can spark a turn in the series remains to be seen for the player, who has garnered 19 points and 13 rebounds from the opening two games in the series.
In his absence, Power made a fast start on Tuesday, leading 46-23 at the start of the third quarter before prevailing 67-64. This left them within one game of clinching the best-of-five series. Joseph Ikong scored a game high 20 points with Norman Blick adding 11 and center Phillip Ameny 10 and 11 rebounds for Power.
Henry Malinga 15, Ivan Enabu 11 and Brian Gumisiriza 10 led Warriors’ fight back as they won the final two quarters 23-18 and 18-13 but still couldn’t save the game.

In the ladies’ category, Magic Stormers prolonged their best-of-five semifinal series with a 66-60 win over UCU Lady Canons in Tuesday’s Game Three.
Carol Nyafwono scored a game high 21 points for John Omondi’s team who must make that victory count by leveling the series today.

Playing today at YMCA
SEMIFINALS – GAME FOUR
W: Lady Canons vs. Magic Stormers
(UCU lead best of five series 2-1)
MEN: Power vs. Warriors
(Power lead best of five series 2-1)
TUESDAY RESULTS
W: Stormers 66-60 UCU Lady Canons
MEN: Power 67-64 Warriors

POWER-WARRIORS IN PAST PLAYOFFS
2009: Power won Game 2 but lost 3-1 in 5-game final series
2010: A see-saw went to Power who won the final series 4-3
2011: Warriors went down 3-0, but won 3-in-a-row to force a Game 7. Power won title with a 4-3 final series

essenono@@ug.nationmedia.com