For the first time, we did what we do at practice, says KIU Titans coach

KIU Titans' Saidi Amisi in action against Our Savior /COURTESY PICTURE

BASKETBALL For the first time, we did what we do at practice, says KIU Titans coach

Ndyamuhaki J Emanzi 10:36 - 06.07.2023

Despite a sluggish start to the game that saw the Titans trail 23-19 after the first quarter, the subsequent three frames brought the best out of the team in green to hand them a 19-point victory.

After a comprehensive 84-65 win over Rezlife Wednesday night, KIU Titans head coach Julius Lutwama is convinced that it is the best the team has played in a while.

Despite a sluggish start to the game that saw the Titans trail 23-19 after the first quarter, the subsequent three frames brought the best out of the team in green to hand them a 19-point victory.

“I think today, after a very long time, is when we tried to do what we do at practice,” Lutwama told Pulse Sports after the win.

“This is exactly how we practice. Believing in each other, believing where the hot hand is, appreciating it and giving it the most that it deserves and playing together,” he added.

“If you are 60% free and there’s someone who’s 65% free, believe in them and deliver. It’s what gave us the win.”

The Titans’ performance was highlighted by Denis Balungu’s game-high 30 points that saw him named Player of the Game.

The Congolese guard shot 10-for-15 from the field, including an eight-for-11 spree from downtown to lead the charge.

Joel Lukoji in action against Rezlife Wednesday night /NBL Uganda image

But Lutwama believes the guard’s performance pretty much reflected how well his whole team played, identifying the hot hand and creating shots for it.

“The teammates did a good job for him. They believed in him. They defended for him, protected him, and screened for him. They did a lot of work. You saw how many picks he was using to get those shots, so I want to give credit to the teammates that worked and dug deep for him.”

Saidi Amisi and Henry Okoth, with 16 and 10 points, respectively, were the only other Titans to score in double figures as the team improved to a 13-2 record.

Next on the schedule for the Titans is a clash with the Namuwongo Blazers Friday night.