)
In the aftermath of the encounter, Blazers captain Odongo revealed that "the refs were crap and rusty" and earned himself a two-game suspension and a $200 fine.
The first-round clash between Namuwongo Blazers and the UCU Canons was one-sided until the fourth quarter when the former sliced a 16-point lead to force overtime.
The Canons, however, dominated the extra period to win 87-77, but the game had a lot more highlights.
From Nasser Guddi faking an injury to allow Syrus Kiviiri replace him to shoot free throws down the stretch to crazy officiating calls and comments made by Blazers captain Paul Odongo. The game had it all.
)
21:20 - 12.07.2023
BASKETBALL KCCA squeeze past Kampala Rockets for second-straight win
Abel Omongin came off the bench to score 10 points, collect seven rebounds and dished out two assists in a Player of the Game performance.
In the aftermath of the encounter, Blazers captain Odongo revealed that "the refs were crap and rusty" and earned himself a two-game suspension and a $200 fine.
The two sides will clash again Friday night at YMCA, Wandegeya and Pulse Sports takes a look at five key players expected to stand out.
Williams Jimmy D
He used his debut against KIU Titans to announce his arrival in Ugandan basketball but still has to prove that he can deliver every time he suits up for the Blazers.
)
Jimmy D scored a game-high 26 points to help the Blazers to a comfortable 68-57 win and avenge their first-round loss to the Titans.
The American-born Togolese shot 11-for-25 from two-point range to warn the rest of the teams about his mid-range game when he gets hot.
UCU Canons will undoubtedly need to limit him. The game will also reveal whether Jimmy D can be a threat from distance, having shot zero-for-six from downtown in his first game.
Peter Cheng
He was Blazers' best player in the first round and remains a big piece of the team. His length and ability to score make him a formidable player on both ends of the ball.
)
Having missed a few games while on national duty with South Sudan in the FIBA AfroCan Qualifiers, the forward has returned to continue his excellent run of form.
He scored 13 points and collected 18 rebounds against KIU and will be a handful for the Canons.
Jimmy Otim
The point guard has continued to impress for the Canons and will get another opportunity to play a big game in front of what is expected to be a sellout crowd.
)
His vision on the floor and ability to score the basketball make him stand out despite being a first-timer on the Canons team.
He scored 18 points, collected two rebounds and dished out five assists in his side's 89-82 loss to Ndejje Angels.
It was never going to be easy fitting in the shoes of Fayed Baale, but Otim is doing just fine so far.
Peter Sifuma
His soft touch around the basket makes him a tough player to face for any defender. His rebounding prowess and rim protection give the team vital stops and possessions.
)
It will be tough coming up against experienced players like Geoffrey Soro and Michael Makiadi in that paint, but the Kenyan centre is built for big occasions.
Averaging a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, Sifuma is one of UCU's best players and will be expected to show up Friday night.
Chris Omanye
One of the best one-on-one players in the division. He will also be one of the most experienced players on the floor Friday night.
When he came up against Innocent Ochera in a one-on-one situation last Friday, the KIU Titans guard was last seen heading South while Omanye pulled up for an easy two.
The Congolese ended the night with 12 points, six rebounds and eight assists and will be a handful for the UCU Canons.
National Basketball League
Friday fixture
KIU Rangers vs. JKL Lady Dolphins -7pm
UCU Canons vs. Namuwongo Blazers -9pm
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)