By Isaac Akugizibwe
KIU, Main Campus- KIU Titans on Sunday 24th, August 2024, beat arch-rivals Namuwongo Blazers 81-78 in game five of the highly contested semifinal series to book a place in the 2024 National Basketball League finals.
The Titans' hard-fought victory came in overtime after the game was tied 73-73 at the end of regular time.
KIU Titans needed composure and good defense to edge Namuwongo Blazers in overtime and won the semifinal series 3-2.
The Titans started slowly but ensured they kept closer before mounting an early charge to tie the game at the end of the first quarter (20-20) before taking the lead (41-38) at halftime.
In the third quarter, KIU Titans led 57-51 but a few slips in defense saw Namuwongo Blazers mount a dramatic comeback in the fourth quarter to take a two-point lead with only six seconds on the clock.
Pierre Kasereka Tembo restored the Titans' hopes by burying all the two free throws that tied the score but a failed charge from Peter Cheng meant the contest would be settled in overtime.
In overtime, the Titans outscored the Blazers (9-5) to claim the bragging rights and the fans at the fully parked Arena could not help but jubilate the historic triumph.
Peter Obleng (22) and Edgar Munaba (20) combined Kampala International University for 42 points. Joel Lukoji Banza added 14 points and the hero of the night Pierre Kasereka Tembo registered 12 points to complete the list of Titans with double figures.
KIU Titans will play City Oilers in the finals after the Oilers swept UCU Canons in their semifinal series. The finals will tip off on Wednesday, August 29th, 2024.