NBL Playoffs | Result

• Namuwongo Blazers 75-68 KIU Titans (2-2)

The National Basketball League semifinal series between Namuwongo Blazers and KIU Titans took another dramatic turn on Thursday night at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The Blazers secured a hard-fought 75-68 victory, levelling the series at 2-2 and forcing a decisive Game 5.

Peter Obleng’s long shot climaxed the first quarter as KIU Titans opened a nine-point lead (25-16) at the end of an interesting period.

The Blazers fought back to narrow the gap to two points (38-36) by halftime.

In the third quarter, Namuwongo Blazers took control of the game, creating a six-point (59-53) lead heading into the final period.

Peter Cheng was a standout performer for the Blazers, contributing a double-double with 23 points and 15 rebounds.

Paul Odong and Choul Nyuot also played key roles, scoring 11 points each.

On the side of the Titans, Joel Lukoji (19 points), Juf Mpiya (13 points), and Peter Obleng (11 points) led the scoring with double-digit contributions.

The series now heads into a winner-takes-all Game 5, where both teams will be eager to secure their place in the NBL finals.

The stakes are high, and the fans can expect another thrilling encounter.

Hawa Wanyeche took the opening day bragging rights of the 2024 Uganda Ladies Golf Open was held on Thursday, 22nd August at the par 71 lakeside Entebbe Club.

The Tanzanian golfer hit 3-over-74 after the early morning drizzles around Entebbe.

Wanyeche had recorded four birdies, three of which came from the back nine of the course, that’s at holes 10, 16 and 17.

The Tanzanian has a one-shot lead over three-time open winner Martha Babirye 

Neema Olomi, also from Tanzania, scored 5-over-76 and sits third on the leaderboard.

Iddy Madina (78), Vicky Elias (79), Meron Kyomugisha (79), Harriet Kitaka (79), Aalaa Riyaz Somji (79), Resty Nalutaaya (80) and Judith Komugisha (80) completed the top ten golfers of day one.

The Uganda Open Golf Championship series swings into action this week at Entebbe Club with Ladies and Seniors taking the course starting Thursday as they embark on the 54-hole action.

The country’s most prestigious golf tournament returns to the lakeside facility for the third time in six years, having hosted its first event in 2018.

Defending champion Peace Kabasweka is surprisingly not on the main draw that has been released today.

Tanzanian Iddy Madina will thus be the woman to beat at the 74th edition that gets underway on Thursday morning following the conclusion of the official practice round on Wednesday.

Former winner Martha Babirye returning from a six-month suspension will be looking to add another title.

Judith Komugisha and Meron Kyomugisha will also be going for the title.

In the Seniors Open, two-time winner John Muchiri is favourite with players such as Suresh Patel, Irishman James O’Sullivan as well as John Byabagambi looking to win the two-round tourney.

Round One Draw

NBL Playoffs | Result

• KIU Titans 76-74 Namuwongo Blazers (2-1)

In a thrilling NBL semifinal matchup at Lugogo Indoor Arena, the KIU Titans staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Namuwongo Blazers 76-74 on Tuesday evening.

This victory gives the Kasanga-based side a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series.

The Blazers started off strong, dominating the first quarter and building a 10-point lead (21-11).

However, the Titans fought back in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to just two points (36-34) by halftime.

The Titans’ momentum carried over into the third quarter, where they outscored (28-19) the Blazers and took a seven-point (62-55) lead heading into the final frame.

The game reached a dramatic climax in the final minutes, with both teams trading baskets and the tension rising.

With just over three minutes remaining, the game was briefly halted after a Blazers player was accused of throwing an object onto the court.

After a brief delay, play resumed, and the Titans held on to secure a two-point sweet victory.

Joel Lokoji, Kasereka Tembo, and Edgar Munaba led the Titans’ scoring effort after dropping 21, 15, and 14 points, respectively.

Jimmy Williams (17 points), Peter Cheng (15 points), and Innocent Ochera (13 points) paced the Blazers’ offence with double-digit scoring performances.

The Titans’ ability to shoot the three-pointer effectively was a key factor in their victory, as they made eight of 20 attempts from beyond the arc.

The Blazers struggled to find their range from distance, converting only 11 of 40 three-point attempts.

NBL Playoffs | Results

UCU Lady Canons 52-48 KIU Rangers (2-1)

In a hard-fought battle at Lugogo Indoor Arena, the UCU Lady Canons edged out the KIU Rangers 52-48 to regain a 2-1 lead in their NBL semifinal series on Tuesday evening.

Despite facing a relentless defensive onslaught from the Rangers, who forced the Lady Canons into numerous turnovers and limited their long-range shooting, UCU managed to maintain their composure and secure the victory.

The Lady Canons started the game strong, establishing a six-point (20-14) lead by the end of the first quarter.

They continued to control the pace in the second, extending their advantage to eight points (29-21) at halftime.

However, the Rangers made a spirited comeback in the third quarter, outscoring UCU (12-7) to narrow the gap to just three points.

The fourth quarter was a tense affair, with both teams battling for every possession. Ultimately, the Lady Canons’ resilience and clutch play proved to be the difference.

Shakira Nanvubya and Hajara Najjuko led the way offensively for UCU, scoring 14 and 11 points respectively.

Sharon Kirabo and Racheal Nanyonga contributed 11 points each for the Rangers.

The series now shifts back to KIU’s hand of mercy, as the Rangers will have to fight for a victory in game four in order to force a decisive Game 5.

• Result: UCU Canons 55-62 City Oilers (0-2)

City Oilers took a step closer to reaching the finals after defeating UCU Canons 62-55 in the National Basketball League semifinal on Sunday evening at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

If they win game three, the reigning champions will have a strong chance of clinching their 10th NBL title.

UCU Canons scored first, but at the end of the first period, they were trailing the City Oilers by four points (15-11).

At halftime, City Oilers extended their lead to 11 points (35-24) with the game witnessing two technical calls.

After the break, the Canons improved their defence, holding City Oilers to just 10 points, but still trailed by nine points (36-45).

Despite the Canons’ efforts in the final quarter, City Oilers managed to secure a seven-point victory in front of a lively crowd.

Titus Lual led the City Oilers with a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Ben Komakech (16 points) and Ivan Muhwezi (12 points) also significantly contributed to the Oilers’ score.

For the Canons, Ibanda Lwabaga (14 points), Peter Sifuma (14 points), and Joel Kayiira (12 points) all scored in double digits.

• Result: KIU Titans 81-77 Nam Blazers

The KIU Titans levelled the semifinal series by defeating the Namuwongo Blazers 81-77 in the National Basketball League at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The KIU Titans opened a four-point (20-16) lead after a competitive first period.

Before halftime, the Titans limited the Blazers to only 17 points while scoring 23, resulting in a 10-point (43-33) lead.

After halftime, KIU dominated, opening a 21-point lead against the struggling Blazers by the end of the third quarter.

Although the Blazers attempted a comeback in the final period of the game, the Titans secured a four-point victory.

Peter Obleng (19 points), Tembo Kasereka (16 points), and Joel Lokoji (13 points) led the scoring for the KIU Titans, while Innocent Ochera (25 points), Jimmy Williams (21 points), and Joseph Chuma (11 points) scored double digits for the Blazers.

The Blazers outrebounded the Titans by 17 but struggled from beyond the arc, making only six shots out of 31 attempts.

The two teams will face off in game three on Tuesday, August 20, at the same venue.

Match Summary

• Soroti City 125/6
• Olila CC 109/8
• Soroti City won by 16 runs

Soroti City defended the Women’s T20 League title after edging Olila Cricket Club by 16 runs on Saturday afternoon at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

Olila had completed group play unbeaten record and it was clear they would not be a walk in the park for the defending champions.

Olila won the toss and elected to bowl first but Soroti City was steady out of the blocks and despite losing a couple of wickets, they kept the scoreboard ticking.

Proscovia Alako blasted 43 off 22 balls three of which went for sixes in the last over that pushed the total to a competitive figure. Team captain Janet Mbabazi chipped in with 18 runs.

In the run chase, Olila was very slow out of the blocks and had only 37 runs on board inside 10 overs.

However, a 42-run partnership between Phiona Khulume (32) and Malisa Ariokot took the game to Soroti City but ultimately wasn’t enough falling short.

Olila will have to wait to add to their 2017 title while Soroti City have sort of started their winning run with two in a row.

Tornado Bee’s Teddy Oyella was named the MVP oof the League while Stephanie Nampiina and Naume Amogin won the Best Batter and Best Bowler awards respectively.

NBL Playoffs | Results

Thursday, August 15

• UCU Lady Canons 73-44 KIU Rangers (1-0)
• KIU Rangers 61-79 Namuwongo Blazers (0-1)

UCU Lady Canons secured a well-deserved 73-44 victory against KIU Rangers in game one of the ongoing Semifinal series at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The Canons took a 1-0 lead in the series, and they are two wins away from a spot in the final.

Aziida Nabayunga concluded the first stanza with a three-point jump shot as the Lady Canons opened a lead of nine points (24-15).

The Lady Canons kept ascending as they widened the lead to 12 points (40-28) at the end of the second quarter.

Coming from the locker rooms, Lady Canons kept the foot on the gas pedal as they extended the lead to 18 points (53-35) at the end of the third period.

Nabayunga put the icing on the cake with a three-point jump shot to claim a 29-point victory on the day.

Nabayunga was instrumental in the game, registering a double-double of 20 points and 18 points while Shakira Nanvubya contributed 17 points.

On the other hand, only Ines Kanyamuneza (15 points) managed double digits for the KIU Rangers.

NBL Playoffs | Fixture

• UCU Canons vs KCCA Panthers (1-1)

UCU Canons and KCCA Panthers will lock up in a decisive game three of the National Basketball League quarter-final playoffs on Wednesday at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The quarterfinal encounter was dragged this late due to the just concluded 3×3 Africa Cup.

The Canons led the series after winning Game One 80-60 but failed to seal off the assignment after falling in Game Two 79-62.

UCU Canons head coach Nicholas Natuhereza expects a tough encounter against KCCA Panthers but believes they are ready to take it on.

“Game Two was tough, more so the way we lost it. I don’t think we prepared enough due to several things that were happening,” Natuhereza said.

“The boys are excited and can not wait to get back to court. We expect a tough game against KCCA, so we need to have a do-or-die mentality,” he added.

“We need to go with the right mindset into the game so that we can take up whatever KCCA throws at us. But at least, I believe we are ready for the game.”

The winner of Game Three will set up a semifinal encounter against City Oilers in the best of five semifinals series.