By Michael Ainomugisha
UCU Canons 64 – 38 Kampala Rockets
(21-10, 13-8, 16-14, 14-6)
The UCU Canons advanced to the National Basketball League semi-finals with a dominant 64-38 victory over Kampala Rockets in Game Three of the quarter-finals on Sunday, 14 September, at the Jaguars’ Den in Kira.
The Rockets had drawn first blood with a 50-49 win in Game One, but UCU responded in emphatic fashion, thumping them 79-52 in Game Two at Lugogo Indoor Arena to set up a decider.
Any hopes of another close contest evaporated almost immediately. The Canons came out sharp, establishing a 21-10 lead after the opening quarter and never looked back. By halftime, they were firmly in control at 34-18, with the Rockets offering little resistance.
After stretching their advantage to 50-32 by the end of the third quarter, UCU tightened defensively in the final period, holding the Rockets to just six points and sealing an emphatic 26-point win.
Jimmy Otim led the way for UCU with 18 points, two rebounds, and four assists, while Lwabaga Ibanda added 10 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Marvin Jesse Okurut contributed 10 points, and Joel Kayiira dominated the boards with 12 rebounds.
For the Rockets, Pauti Ozias Kikomba scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Juf Mpiya added 11 points, while Christian Ndibu finished with 12 rebounds, six points, two steals, and two blocks.
For the second consecutive season, the Rockets bowed out at the quarter-final stage. UCU, meanwhile UCU will face a side they beat in the third place playoff last season, Namuwongo Blazers with game one set for Tuesday 16th September at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
