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NBL Playoffs Result
- KCCA Panthers 52-82 UCU Canons (Canons win series 2-1)
The UCU Canons stormed into the NBL Playoff Semifinals with a commanding 82-52 victory over the KCCA Panthers at the MTN Sports Indoor Arena yesterday evening.
This decisive win marks the end of a fiercely contested quarterfinal series, which saw both teams trading blows in a best-of-three format.
Despite losing twice to the Panthers during the regular season, the Canons set the tone early in the decider, opening up a 20-point lead (27-7) in the first quarter, capitalizing on swift transitions.
The Panthers made adjustments in the second quarter, tightening their defense and limiting UCU’s long-range shots, but still trailed by 15 points (37-22) at halftime.
After the break, the Canons regained their rhythm, extending their lead to 24 points (59-35) by the end of the third quarter.
In the final period, UCU maintained their dominance, eventually closing out the game with a 30-point margin to advance to the next round.
Peter Sifuma was instrumental in UCU’s success, recording a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
He was supported by strong performances from Jimmy Otim (19 points), Joel Kayiira (12 points), and Kevin Kasobya (11 points), all of whom scored in double figures.
For the Panthers, only David Assimwe (13 points) and Emmanuel Odongkara (10 points) managed to reach double digits in scoring, highlighting the team’s struggle against UCU’s defense.
The series had been evenly matched, with UCU winning Game One 80-60, only for the Panthers to respond with a 79-62 victory in Game Two, forcing a decisive third game.
However, in the crucial matchup, the Canons were unstoppable, securing the last spot in the semifinals, where they will face the City Oilers in a best-of-five series starting on Friday, August 16.
In the other semifinal, the KIU Titans will take on the Namuwongo Blazers, while in the women’s category, the JKL Lady Dolphins will battle the JT Lady Jaguars, and the UCU Lady Canons will face the KIU Rangers.
