KIU Titans Edge Nam Blazers to lead Semifinal series
posted on Aug. 21, 2024, 1:38 a.m. - By Isaac Akugizibwe
KIU Titans came from behind to beat Namuwongo Blazers 76-74 in game three of the 2024 National Basketball League Semifinal series at Lugogo indoor Arena on Tuesday.
The result sees KIU Titans lead the best of five Semifinal series (2-1), needing only one more win to book a place in the 2024 NBL finals.
The Titans started slowly trailing 11-21 at the end of the first quarter but put up an incredible team performance in the second quarter to close the gap to two points (34-36),going into the halftime break.
In the third quarter, the Titans were at their absolute best, scoring 28 points while limiting the Blazers to only 19.
In the drama filled fourth quarter, the Blazers attempted a comeback taking advantage of the too many missed opportunities by the Titans but Julius Lutwama's boys held on to make it two wins in a row and lead the series 2-1.
Guard Joel Lukoji Banza continued to show his quality as he scored the game's highest 21 points, four rebounds and the team's highest nine assists.
Pierre Kasereka Tembo (15) and Edgar Munaba (14) also scored in double figures while Juf Mpiya claimed the rebounding contest with 13 rebounds.
Despite not scoring in double figures, Peter Obleng played a crucial role in the Titans historic comeback, scoring two successive three pointers at the beginning of the second half. The forward had missed the bigger part of the first half with an Injury scare only to return in beast mode.
The Titans once again defended well through out the game and were able to limit Namuwongo's lethal trio, Innocent Ochera (13), Jimmy Williams (17) and Joseph Chuma ( 02) from scoring two many points.
KIU Titans'next assignment will definitely be to stop the trio from reaching double figures when they battle again in four on Thursday.
