Wednesday, August 14*KCCA Panthers 52-82 UCU Canons (1-2)
UCU Canons delivered a commanding performance to dismantle KCCA Panthers 82-52 in Game Three of the National Basketball League Playoffs, securing the last semifinal spot in the ongoing tournament.
The decisive victory at Lugogo ended the best-of-three series 2-1 in favor of the Canons.
The game was a high-stakes affair, with both teams tied at 1-1, making it a winner-takes-all clash.
UCU wasted no time in asserting their dominance, racing to a 27-7 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Despite KCCA’s efforts to mount a comeback by winning the second quarter 15-10, they still trailed by 15 points at halftime.
In the second half, the Canons continued their relentless push, taking the third quarter 22-13 and the fourth 23-17, to close out the game with a resounding 30-point margin.
Peter Sifuma was the standout player for the Canons, registering a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
He was ably supported by Joel Kayiira, who also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Contributions from Jimmy Otim (12 points) and Kevin Kasobya (11 points) rounded out the Canons’ scoring.
For KCCA, David Assiimwe and Emmanuel Odongkara were the only players to score in double digits, contributing 13 and 10 points respectively.
KCCA Panthers struggled to keep up with the Canons’ intensity and depth, despite Nicholas Natuhereza’s side registering 28 turnovers.
KCCA, coached by Raymond Muhumuza, will reflect on their missed opportunity after the series was interrupted for about 10 days due to the 3×3 Nations League, a break that may have disrupted their momentum.
The Canons now advance to the semifinals, where they will face nine-time winners City Oilers, while the other best of five series has KIU Titans and Nam Blazers.
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