The KIU Titans clawed their way back from a halftime deficit to snatch a thrilling 50-48 victory over the UCU Canons, marking an explosive start to the second round of the National Basketball League.
The clash, characterized by relentless back-and-forth action, saw the Titans trailing 14-15 in the first quarter before falling behind further to 21-25 by halftime. However, fueled by sheer determination, they staged a remarkable resurgence in the final quarter, outscoring their opponents by a margin of 18-13.
Leading the charge for the Titans was Edgar Munaba, whose stellar performance saw him rack up an impressive 18 points and four rebounds. Not to be outdone, Juf Mpiya delivered a standout double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Stanley Mugerwa, despite only playing the first half, made a significant impact with seven points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
However, the absence of captain Collins Kasujja, sidelined due to a concussion, posed a challenge for the Titans. Nonetheless, Joel Lukoji Banza rose to the occasion, playing a pivotal role with seven points, four rebounds, and three assists, despite teetering on the edge of elimination due to fouls.
Ivan Lumanyika emerged as a defensive stalwart for the Titans, showcasing his prowess with crucial blocks and a game-changing layup that fueled the team’s comeback.
Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Lumanyika attributed the triumph to the collective effort of the team, particularly highlighting their defensive resilience in the decisive fourth quarter.
In a post-game statement, head coach Julius Lutwama expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of securing a victory to kick off the highly competitive second round of the league.
With the win propelling them to second place on the NBL-Men’s ladder, the Titans now set their sights on their upcoming clash against Our Saviour, scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. at Lugogo Indoor Arena, as they seek to maintain their momentum in the quest for glory.
