NBL Round 18: KIU Titans beat Our Saviour by one after a very close game

Amisi Saidi

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Sixth-ranked Our Saviour (7-8) used its home court advantage to challenge third ranked KIU Titans (12-2) in Kampala on Sunday. The visitors managed to secure only one-point victory 78-77. However their fans expected easier game. KIU Titans forced 27 Our Saviour turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a good game for DR Congolese center Amisi Saidi (200) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 13 rebounds. Kenyan guard Collins Kasujja (183-1994) contributed with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Guard Joseph Wacha (-1991) replied with 22 points and 7 assists for Our Saviour. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. KIU Titans have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Our Saviour lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with eight games lost. KIU Titans' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kampala to the arena Blazers.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Kampala: Power (#6) and Our Saviour (#6). Our Saviour was defeated at home 66-73 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Puati Kikomba had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Isaac Afidra chipped in 22 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Malual Dier with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Power (7-7) moved-up to fifth place. Our Saviour lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with eight games lost. Power's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kampala to the arena UPDF.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two local teams from Kampala: KIU Titans (#3) and UCU Canons (#4). UCU Canons were smashed at home by 18 points 55-73 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. Amisi Saidi notched 19 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort. Even a double-double of 17 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists by Peter Sifuma did not help to save the game for UCU Canons. UCU Canons' coach rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. KIU Titans have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. UCU Canons at the other side keep the fourth position with six games lost. KIU Titans' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kampala to the arena Blazers.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 18: Power smashed Ndejje Angels on the road 88-62. Kampala R. won against UPDF on its own court 75-68. Blazers managed to outperform JKL Dolphins in Kampala 77-68. KCCA P. lost to defending champion City Oilers at home 50-75. Bottom-ranked Ndejje Angels defeated UCU Canons on the opponent's court 89-82.