Sunday, September 3
*Kampala Rockets 75-97 Ndejje University
*JKL Lady Dolphins 91-35 Angels
*UPDF Tomahawks 48-49 Rezlife Saints
UPDF Tomahawks have their chances of playing in the National Basketball League next season all but over after a 48-49 defeat against already relegated Rezlife Saints.
The Tomahawks came into their last game of the regular season on Sunday needing victory to keep their survival chances alive.
And the win looked within their grasp for a side that had bought more life for themselves in the Friday’s victory over Ndejje.
On Sunday, they led 16-13 after the first quarter against Rez life and were up by four going into the last quarter.
But the Saints, who have struggled to get things going this whole season, came out big in the fourth quarter en rout to stunning Baker Kyambadde’s side.
Felix Mukunzi had 12 points, and was the only UPDF player to score in double figures while Claude Aligawesa led Rezlife with 13.
With that disappointing display at YMCA, UPDF is now grasping at straws as the fate is no longer in their hands.
They have finished the campaign on 29 points, with a 7-15 record, and can only stay up if UCU Canons lose both their remaining two games against KCCA Panthers and City Oilers.
With nine wins and as many loses, the Canons shouldn’t have been in this mess, but the 2015 & 2019 NBL finalists lost the games against Power by forfeit due to colour clash in their second round tie at Lugogo.
Interestingly in basketball, a team earns a point for a loss (showing up), but zero in case of a forfeiture.
KCCA Panthers who still have two more games to play as well, look safe as it stands, and can only go down if they fail to honour those games.
And the same can be said of Ndejje Angels who needs to show up for their last game against Rezlife and get at least that one point that will take them above UPDF.
Ndejje looked to have lost a fighting stance after Friday’s heavy defeat to UPDF, but the made amends with a 97-75 victory on Sunday to stay afloat in what has been an eventful season.
And they will be a tricky side to face in the play-offs, a ticket that already looks within their grasp.
