By Michael Ainomugisha
UCU Canons secured third place in the 2026 National Basketball League playoffs after defeating Rezlife Saints 72–64 on Sunday evening at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The Canons started the game brightly, with Ibanda Lwabaga responding to Michael Otieno’s opening free throw with a driving layup. Alier Pech then capped the opening quarter with a jump shot as UCU took a narrow 16–15 lead.
Second quarter remained closely contested as both sides traded baskets. Neither team managed to pull away, with Hon Kwany’s buzzer-beater levelling the game at 28–28 heading into halftime.
UCU returned from the break with greater urgency. Jimmy Otim opened the scoring with a three-pointer before Kwany responded with a jump shot.
Coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s Canons gradually took control and benefited from three uncontested baskets late in the third quarter to establish an eight-point advantage, leading 55–47 going into the final period.
Rezlife tried to respond in the fourth quarter, but UCU held their ground. Both sides scored 17 points in the final frame, allowing the Canons to maintain their advantage and secure the 72–64 victory.
Otim, Pech and Lwabaga led UCU’s scoring with 12, 12 and 11 points, respectively, while Marvin Okurut added 10.
For Rezlife, Kwany led all scorers with 17 points, followed by Chris Omanye with 15 and Edrine Ekau with 10.
The victory gives UCU Canons their fifth consecutive third-place finish in the NBL playoffs, having also claimed bronze in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
