Namuwongo Blazers opened their Road to BAL Elite 16 campaign with a heavy 89-62 defeat to hosts Nairobi City Thunder at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.
The Ugandan champions entered the contest with confidence after ending City Oilers’ ten-year reign in the National Basketball League, and the stage offered a chance to prove their growth on a regional platform.
Instead, Thunder reminded them of the gap at this level.
Blazers started well, with new recruit Jovan Mooring hitting early shots from deep and pushing his team to an 11-5 lead.
The latter part of the first half saw the teams trade baskets, but the Blazers stayed composed. Tonny Drileba then tied the game at 40 with a long-range shot, but Lance Thomas answered immediately with a three to give Thunder a 43-40 halftime lead.
The second half changed everything. Thunder increased their pace and punished Blazers on fast breaks.
They won the rebounding battle 61-47 and scored 24-8 in transition. Their 20 offensive rebounds created repeated second chances.
The third quarter ended 25-11 in favour of the hosts as Albert Odero, quiet in the first half, scored nine quick points and shifted full control to Thunder.
Blazers struggled with turnovers and shot selection. They made 14 of 26 free throws and lost rhythm on offense. The final quarter continued the same pattern as Thunder closed out a 27-point win.
Thomas led the hosts with 18 points. Odero added 16. Derrick Mekenye scored 14 and Tylor Ongwae had 13. Ater Majok dominated on the glass with 11 rebounds.
On the other hand, Mooring scored 15 for the Blazers while James Okello finished with 11.
Steven Nyeko’s men will look for a response when they return to action today, Wednesday at 6 PM against Johannesburg Giants, a match that will shape their chances of reaching the semifinals.
Opening day Group A results saw Ferroviaro de Beira beat Bravehearts 78-66 and Dar City defeat Matero Magic 85-78.
