2024 NBL Finals: KIU Titans Fall Short in Game One
posted on Aug. 29, 2024, 8:14 a.m. - By Isaac Akugizibwe
KIU Titans began their pursuit for the maiden National Basketball League title on a rather unfortunate note after losing to City Oilers 70-61 in the first game of the 2024 finals series at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Wednesday.
Despite falling short, the Titans put up a commendable performance and could have won the game if it wasn't for the many missed scoring opportunities and some lapses in defence.
Down 37-29 at halftime, the Titans redeemed themselves in the third quarter to make it a one-point game (50-51) but the Oilers held on to win the contest, utilising a couple of turnovers in the fourth quarter.
The team came into Wednesday's game having rested for only two days and a couple of injury scares, especially to the key players, Banza, Munaba, and Tembo had a ripple effect on the night's result.
It was another brilliant night for guard Peter Obleng, who continues to light up the playoffs in style. He scored the team's highest 20 points and eight rebounds.
Ivan Lumanyika was the other Titan with a double figure (10 points), his first this season. He added five rebounds and one assist.
Joel Lukoji Banza contributed nine points, eight rebounds, and the game's highest number of assists, seven.
Edgar Munaba added seven points and six rebounds, while Stanley Mugerwa managed six points and seven rebounds in the Titans' losing effort.
Opio's Reaction
"First, I want to commend my teammates for the good fight. It was generally a good game for us, but a few mistakes and misses cost us in the end."
"We had fully returned into the game going into the fourth quarter but failed to control and maintain our momentum; we rushed a lot and ended up making costly mistakes, which the Oilers took to their advantage."
"We have taken a couple of lessons home, and surely you will see a different KIU Titans on Friday."
Game two is scheduled for Friday, August 30th (9 p.m. EAT) and will also be played at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
