Down but not Out: Titans Quest for NBL Glory Goes to the Edge
posted on Sept. 1, 2024, 11:47 p.m. - By Isaac Akugizibwe
KIU Titans' fight for the National Basketball Championship this year has gone into a do or due situation after Sunday night's thrilling 72-70 loss to City Oilers in game three of the final playoff series.
The result left the Titans trailing 3-0 in the series and will need to win all the remaining four games to stand a chance of winning the ultimate prize.
Julius Lutwama's boys showed incredible heart and determination, fighting till the very end. There were flashes of brilliance, and the Titans' defence was better than in game two but fell short on a few crucial plays.
The team had been greatly inspired by Juf Mpiya, who was firing for fun from inside the box, but the Congolese international was helped out injured as the clock ticked down, a time he was needed most.
He contributed the game's highest 24 points and 15 rebounds, which are also his best in a KIU Titans jersey.
The other double figure for KIU Titans came from Peter Obleng, but in terms of rebounds. He scored nine points and 12 rebounds.
The Titans had chance to level up or win the game in the last 14 seconds but target man Pierre Kasereka Tembo succumbed to the City Oilers' pressure and lost possession to send both his teammates and fans into utter disbelief.
The Titans have been in tough situations before and have always come out stronger. They will look to regroup, recharge, and refocus.
The team has gradually improved from losing by a nine-point margin in game one to a two-point deficit in game three.
The boys still have the potential to learn from the mistakes in game three and come back swinging on Wednesday for game four.
