Friday, January 26
•YMCA Lady Hamstars 00-20 UPDF Lady Tomahawks – (Walkover)
•Livingstone 53-70 JT Jaguars
•KIU Rangers 61-57 JT Lady Jaguars
•KIU Titans 59-63 Nam Blazers
Saturday, January 27 (YMCA)
•UCU Lady Canons Vs Kampala University – 10am
•JKL Dolphins Vs Our Saviour – 12pm
•KCCA Leopards Vs A1 Challenge – 2pm
•Magic Stormers Vs Miracle Ravens – 4pm
•Kampala Rockets Vs UCU Canons – 6pm
Sunday, January 28
•JKL Lady Dolphins Vs YMCA Lady Hamstars
•JT Jaguars Vs Ndejje Angels
•JT Lady Jaguars Vs Nabisunsa
•JKL Dolphins Vs KCCA Panthers
•Nam Blazers Vs Our Saviour
Nam Blazers’ recent acquisitions, Innocent Ochera and Joseph Chuma, orchestrated a stunning 63-59 triumph over their former team, the KIU Titans, in the National Basketball League season opener at Lugogo Arena.
Ochera showcased his prowess with a game-high 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting, while Chuma sealed the victory with the final eight points, concluding the game with an impressive 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Adding to the spectacle, Daniel Gaaki, another fresh face for Nam Blazers from KCCA Panthers, contributed 10 points.
On the opposing side, KIU Titans’ new recruits, Kasereka Tembo and Mpiya Juf, managed 18 and 13 points, respectively.
Despite a commendable double-double performance by Edgar Munaaba, scoring 13 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, KIU Titans faltered in the last quarter, scoring only 7 points and ultimately surrendering the lead.
While Coach Julius Lutwama’s squad showcased positive aspects, notably with the promising performances of Tembo and Mpiya, the team faces a considerable challenge due to key departures from the previous season.
The Kansanga-based side also missed 28 of their 32 attempts from deep, and just like it was against Oilers last season, KIU start the new season with a defeat.
The loss, coupled with a lackluster last quarter and struggles from beyond the arc, sets a tough tone for KIU Titans as they begin the new season.
Lutwama will hope his side can improve going forward, especially if Joel Lukoji and new signing Ivan Lumanyika step on court.
