NBL Round 22 (Regular Season): Blazers beat UCU Canons in a derby game

The Regular Season in NBL is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 3 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Kampala: Blazers (#1) and UCU Canons (#5). Blazers (15-3) smashed visiting UCU Canons (10-7) by 16 points 109-93. Blazers forced 22 UCU Canons turnovers and had a 26-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. Blazers looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by UCU Canons' players. Forward Joseph Chuma (-1991) fired 33 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds (on 15-of-19 shooting from the field) for the winners. American-Togolese guard Jimmy Williams (196-1986, college: ABU) chipped in 22 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Center Peter Sifuma (-1996) produced 17 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Blazers have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 15-3 record. UCU Canons at the other side dropped to the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with KCCA P.. Blazers' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala KIU Titans.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Kampala: Blazers (#1) and Our Saviour (#7). Our Saviour was smashed at home by 17 points 53-70 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Worth to mention a great performance of Rwandan center Micheal Makiadi (-1989) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds. Jimmy Williams contributed with 20 points for the winners. Blazers' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Henry Ssebagala replied with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for Our Saviour. Blazers (15-3) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Our Saviour at the other side keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. Blazers' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala KIU Titans.
The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked KIU Titans (14-3) played at the court of 6th ranked Jaguars (10-9). KIU Titans smashed Jaguars 82-56 on Sunday. Joel Lukoji scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side George Agasi responded with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. KIU Titans have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Newly promoted Jaguars keep the sixth position with nine 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.

Rest of the games of round 22 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
KIU Titans crushed Ndejje Angels in Kampala 106-53. Kampala R. beat Livingstone at home 68-58. JKL Dolphins won against KCCA P. on the opponent's court 84-74. Bottom-ranked Ndejje Angels unfortunately lost to Power in a home game 69-72.



Ndejje Angels - KIU Titans 53-106

There was no surprise in Kampala where 12th ranked Ndejje Angels (3-16) were crushed by third ranked KIU Titans (14-3) 106-53 on Wednesday. KIU Titans dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Ndejje Angels' 8. KIU Titans forced 27 Ndejje Angels turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Ndejje Angels' players. The former international forward Edgar Munaba (196-1999) had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Joel Lukoji chipped in 8 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals during the contest. Four KIU Titans players scored in double figures. At the losing side power forward Cikom Monybai responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and guard Haron Alinaitwe scored 11 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. KIU Titans have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Ndejje Angels lost ninth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 16 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.
Top scorers:
Ndejje Angels: C.Monybai 19+10reb, H.Alinaitwe 11+3reb+3ast, B.Rujumba 6+3reb, O.James 5+4reb+3ast, N.Mahad 4, N.Yamodo 4+2reb+1ast
KIU Titans: K.Tembo 20+4reb, E.Munaba 18+10reb+1ast, Z.Campbell 13+5reb+1ast, S.Mugerwa 12+10reb+1ast, B.Opio 9, J.Lukoji 8+10reb+8ast

Blazers - UCU Canons 109-93

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Kampala: Blazers (#1) and UCU Canons (#5). Blazers (15-3) smashed visiting UCU Canons (10-7) by 16 points 109-93. Blazers forced 22 UCU Canons turnovers and had a 26-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. Blazers looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by UCU Canons' players. Forward Joseph Chuma (-1991) fired 33 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds (on 15-of-19 shooting from the field) for the winners. American-Togolese guard Jimmy Williams (196-1986, college: ABU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 22 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Williams is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Center Peter Sifuma (-1996) produced 17 points and 8 rebounds and Lwabaga Ibanda added 24 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Blazers have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 15-3 record. UCU Canons at the other side dropped to the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with KCCA P.. Blazers' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala KIU Titans.
Top scorers:
UCU Canons: L.Ibanda 24+1reb+3ast, K.Kasobya 19+4reb+2ast, P.Sifuma 17+8reb+3ast, J.Kayira 10+8reb, M.Okurut 9+3reb, E.Makuei 8+4reb
Blazers: J.Chuma 33+5reb+2ast, J.Williams 22+5reb+10ast, P.Cheng 17+10reb+1ast, M.Makiadi 11+11reb+2ast, O.Innocent 6+1ast, P.Odong 5+2reb+1ast

Kampala R. - Livingstone 68-58

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked Kampala R.'s (6-11) home victory over 9th ranked Livingstone (5-13) 68-58 on Saturday. Kampala R. forced 22 Livingstone turnovers. South Sudanese swingman Ruai Luak (198-2004) scored 28 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Christian Ndibu chipped in 11 points and 18 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Bismarck Okot responded with 13 points and 9 rebounds and Oscar Byomuhangi scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. Livingstone's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Kampala R. maintains eighth position with 6-11 record. Newly promoted Livingstone dropped to the eleventh place with 13 games lost. Kampala R. will meet at home higher ranked Jaguars (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Livingstone will play against JKL Dolphins (#9) in Kampala and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Livingstone: O.Byomuhangi 15+6reb+1ast, B.Okot 13+9reb+2ast, D.Katumba 7+11reb+1ast, I.Athuai 7+8reb+1ast, M.Innocent 6+6reb, D.Otim 6+3reb+1ast
Kampala R.: R.Luak 28+5reb+1ast, O.Simon 11+3reb+3ast, C.Ndibu 11+18reb+1ast, F.Kasinde 5+7reb+2ast, P.Kikomba 5+9reb+1ast, A.Mayer 4+2reb+1ast

KCCA P. - JKL Dolphins 74-84

There was an upset in Kampala where higher ranked KCCA P. (10-7) was defeated by ninth ranked JKL Dolphins (6-12) 84-74 on Saturday. JKL Dolphins dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to KCCA P.'s 30. JKL Dolphins forced 24 KCCA P. turnovers. Kabangu Clement scored 19 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Martin Buluma chipped in 13 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals during the contest. Five JKL Dolphins players scored in double figures. At the losing side forward Emmanuel Odongkara (-1989) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and forward Caesar Kizito (-1988) scored 17 points. KCCA P.'s coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. JKL Dolphins maintains ninth position with 6-12 record. Loser KCCA P. keeps the fourth place with seven games lost. They share the position with UCU Canons. JKL Dolphins will meet at home Livingstone (#11) in the next round. KCCA P.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala City Oilers.
Top scorers:
KCCA P.: E.Odongkara 23+11reb, C.Kizito 17+1reb+1ast, R.Tueny Mabor 10+2reb+2ast, D.Assimwe 8+5reb+4ast, O.Emmanuel 7+6reb+1ast, S.Otoa 6+2reb+1ast
JKL Dolphins: K.Clement 19+9reb+2ast, N.Guddi 16+1ast, S.Gombya 14+12reb, A.Odiwuor 14+11reb+2ast, M.Buluma 13+7reb+8ast, K.Mugabe 4+1reb

Ndejje Angels - Power 69-72

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eleventh ranked Power's (6-14) road victory over bottom-ranked Ndejje Angels (3-16) 72-69 on Sunday. Power forced 29 Ndejje Angels turnovers. Clinton Omondi had a double-double by scoring 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks to lead the charge for the winners and guard Elvis Ssentongo (-1999) chipped in 18 points and 5 steals during the contest. Power's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side power forward Cikom Monybai responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 18 rebounds and guard Haron Alinaitwe scored 20 points, 6 assists and 5 steals. Four Ndejje Angels players scored in double figures. Power moved-up to tenth place. Ndejje Angels lost ninth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 16 games lost. Power will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ndejje Angels' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kampala to the arena UCU Canons.
Top scorers:
Ndejje Angels: H.Alinaitwe 20+2reb+6ast, O.James 14+5reb+7ast, B.Rujumba 12+13reb, C.Monybai 11+18reb+1ast, A.Gbiatiko 8+7reb, M.Bourgeois 4+7reb+2ast
Power: E.Ssentongo 18+4reb+3ast, C.Omondi 13+13reb, K.Ogunjimi 9+2reb+2ast, I.Afidra 7+6reb+3ast, G.Soro 7+10reb+3ast, E.Mutebi 6+2reb+1ast

Our Saviour - Blazers 53-70

Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Kampala: Blazers (#1) and Our Saviour (#7). Our Saviour was smashed at home by 17 points 53-70 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Worth to mention a great performance of Rwandan center Micheal Makiadi (-1989) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds. American-Togolese guard Jimmy Williams (196-1986, college: ABU) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Williams is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Blazers' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Henry Ssebagala replied with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and Spanish forward Pol Mas (195-1991) added 18 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Our Saviour. Blazers (15-3) have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position. Our Saviour at the other side keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. Blazers' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala KIU Titans.
Top scorers:
Our Saviour: P.Mas 18+9reb, H.Ssebagala 14+6reb+7ast, J.Teko 8+3reb, J.Wacha 7+7reb+5ast, K.Mesho 4+9reb+1ast, M.Mugisha 2+5reb+3ast
Blazers: J.Williams 20+3reb+2ast, M.Makiadi 11+12reb+3ast, P.Cheng 9+11reb+2ast, J.Chuma 7+6reb+4ast, D.Gaaki 7+1reb+2ast, A.Wanyoto 6+7reb

Jaguars - KIU Titans 56-82

The game in supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked KIU Titans (14-3) played at the court of 6th ranked Jaguars (10-9). KIU Titans smashed Jaguars 82-56 on Sunday. KIU Titans looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Joel Lukoji scored 12 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Kasereka Tembo chipped in 16 points during the contest. At the losing side George Agasi responded with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and Chuma Fadhili scored 4 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. KIU Titans have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Newly promoted Jaguars keep the sixth position with nine 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.
Top scorers:
Jaguars: G.Agasi 20+11reb+1ast, B.Shango 7+8reb, A.Eboyu 7+1reb, I.Lubwama 6+2reb+7ast, W.Mark 5+3reb, K.Moru 4+1reb
KIU Titans: Z.Campbell 18+4reb, K.Tembo 16+4reb+3ast, J.Lukoji 12+6reb+7ast, P.Obleng 11+2reb+1ast, E.Munaba 9+5reb+1ast, B.Opio 6+3reb