Lutwama: That was the tightest series I have ever been part of
posted on Aug. 27, 2024, 7:26 a.m. - By Isaac Akugizibwe
KIU Titans head coach Julius Lutwama has admitted that the 2024 semifinal series against Namuwongo Blazers were the tightest in his career, both as a player and a coach.
The Titans beat Namuwongo Blazers 81-78 after overtime following a 73-73 regular time tie to win game five on Sunday and claim the bragging rights into the finals with a 3-2 aggregate.
During a Post game interview, Lutwama reflected on the overall contest from game one to game five, describing it as, "the tightest series I have ever been involved in both as a player and in my coaching career."
"It had never gotten to that level for me, especially considering that we battled a team that had the same ambitions as ours—to win the championship," he added.
Lutwama expressed gratitude towards the boys for what he called "work well done." He said that the Titans exhibited the highest level of maturity when it mattered most.
"We were represented very well, quite impressive!," he noted.
The win saw Lutwama make history as he became the first coach to lead KIU Titans to the National Basketball League finals back to back.
"Playing in the finals two years in a row is quite exciting. It basically means that there is some progress and it improves my coaching career," he remarked.
The tactician has been at the helm of KIU Titans for now three years. He finished fourth in his first year (2022) before making it to the finals in 2023, where the Titans lost to eventual champions the City Oilers after game six.
He returns to the finals with hope of helping KIU Titans break the jinx to win the National Basketball League trophy for the first time ever.
"We are playing a nine-time champion in the finals, and we won't disrespect them. They are a good team and have so far played very well even when they are short in numbers," he said.
"We are playing a team that has won the league nine times in a row, and we are aware of that fact. We just need to calm down and do our best."
The Finals will tip-off on Wednesday evening (August 28th 2024), (9pm EAT) at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
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