UCU Canons, coached by Nicholas Natuhereza, clinched a spot in the National Basketball League Playoffs semifinals after a series of remarkable performances. They started their journey by narrowly avoiding relegation and then secured a playoff position with a 79-69 victory over KCCA Panthers in their final regular-season game.
The rollercoaster of emotions continued for UCU Canons players and fans, who now prepare for the semifinals at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
Their journey to the semis included a showdown with D’mark Power in the quarterfinal series, which concluded with UCU’s decisive victory in Game Three. Center Peter Sifuma’s outstanding performance, recording a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds, played a crucial role in the Canons’ 85-68 victory, securing a 2-1 series win.
Unlike the previous games, the Canons had a strong start in the decisive match, leading 23-8 at the end of the first quarter and maintaining a commanding 50-23 lead into halftime. Even Power’s dominant fourth-quarter performance of 27-15 couldn’t halt UCU’s progress to the next round.
Lwabaga Ibanda, the team captain, contributed 18 points to the victory, while Abraham Isyagi added 12 points.
Despite this achievement, there is no time for the Canons to rest as the second round of the Stanbic Bank-sponsored postseason begins immediately. This anticipated five-game series promises exciting matchups.
The Canons will face off against a formidable opponent, the Titans, in a series that will determine a place in the finals. Both teams split their regular-season encounters, setting the stage for an intense battle.
Key players for the Titans include Saidi Amisi, Peter Obleng, Denis Balungu, Joel Lukoji, and Innocent Ochera, making them confident contenders. For the Canons, Sifuma, Ibanda, Isyagi, and Jerry Kayanga will be crucial in their quest to reach the finals for the third time in their history.
The women’s semifinals will also kick off with a repeat of last season’s final between UCU Lady Canons and JKL Lady Dolphins.
