By Michael Ainomugisha
UCU Canons lost 68–60 to Namuwongo Blazers in Game One of the National Basketball League semi-finals held on Tuesday, September 16, at Lugogo Indoor Arena. The matchup is part of a best-of-five series.
The Blazers made a flying start, dominating the opening quarter 27-16 and setting the tempo for the rest of the contest.
UCU threatened a comeback, twice tying the game in the third quarter, but their momentum faded as the Blazers’ depth proved decisive.
Ivan Muhwezi led the Blazers with 15 points, while Joel Lukoji and Anthony Chuckwurah chipped in 12 and 10 respectively. Arthur Wanyoto was a force on the boards, hauling down 15 rebounds to keep UCU at bay.
Joel Kayiira spearheaded the Canons with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds in a tireless effort, though his performance could not tilt the outcome.
Bench production made the difference, with the Blazers tallying 30 points from their second unit against UCU’s limited output. Both sides struggled from beyond the arc, but Namuwongo controlled the boards 54-50 and capitalised on 18 UCU turnovers.
Game Two is set for Friday 16th September at Lugogo, and UCU coach Nicholas Natuhereza will be eager to address the turnovers and other lapses as his side seeks to level the series.
