Namuwongo Blazers have reignited their National Basketball League (NBL) playoff hopes with a critical 75-68 victory over KIU Titans on Thursday August 22 at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
With this win, Nam Blazers have leveled their semifinal series at 2-2, setting the stage for a decisive Game 5.
Heading into Game 4, the Blazers were on the brink of elimination, trailing 2-1 in the series. The pressure was immense, as they needed to secure a win to keep their championship aspirations alive.
The Titans on the other hand, having won Game 3 in dramatic fashion, were aiming to close out the series and advance to the finals for the second consecutive year.
The game didn’t start well for Nam Blazers. They found themselves in an early hole, trailing 25-16 at the end of the first quarter.
The Titans seemed poised to continue their dominance, but Blazers’ coach Stephen Nyeko had other plans.
He made crucial adjustments, including substituting Michael Makiadi for Chuol Nyuot, who would go on to contribute 11 points and play a key role in the Blazers’ resurgence.
In the second quarter, the Blazers clawed back into the game, and by halftime, they had narrowed the deficit to just two points, trailing by just 38-36.
The third quarter saw the Blazers seize control, outscoring the Titans and establishing a six-point lead (59-53) heading into the final period.
Despite the Kansanga-based side’s attempts to rally, in which they created some efforts, they were undermined by poor rebounding.
The Blazers held their ground, and fueled by the energy of a boisterous crowd, sealed the victory 75-68.
With the series now tied, all eyes turn to what promises to be a thrilling showdown in the decisive Game 5.
The Blazers, buoyed by their recent success, will look to carry their momentum into the final showdown, while the Titans will be determined to rebound and secure their spot in the finals.
The winner will face City Oilers, who defeated UCU in the semi-finals, and have reached 10 straight NBL finals.
