The National Basketball League
Sunday, April 23
Women
•KIU Rangers 94-32 A1 Challenge
•Nkumba Lady Marines 35-59 UCU Lady Canons
Men
•Rezlife Saints 54-48 UPDF Tomahawks
•KCCA Panthers 80-90 UCU Canons
•KIU Titans 78-53 Kampala Rockets
Rezlife Saints deservedly picked their second win of the National Basketball League after a thrilling 54-48 victory over UPDF Tomahawks.
The Tomahawks were favourites coming into Sunday’s game after successive wins against Power and UCU Canons.
And when they led 30-20 at halftime, Rezlife Saints looked on course for a routine loss.
But the newcomers staged a strong third quarter in which they held Baker Kyambadde’s UPDF to just three points!
UPDF’s third-quarter collapse saw them miss all their first 16 shots in the period before Wilberforce Pirwoth drilled in a three to end the quarter with a slender 33-31 lead.
The last quarter was evenly contested as the sides exchanged blows, but Rezlife built their momentum again with a 8-0 run down the stretch and held onto their six-point advantage to the end.
And the final buzzer was greeted with wild celebrations from the team’s cheerleaders who were very vocal throughout the game.
It’s the second win for Rezlife Saints who also beat Ndejje University Angels, and Daniel ‘Najja’ Juuko’s side improve their record this season to 2-5.
Emmanuel Okot and Arnold Kisekka scored 11 and 10 points respectively while Thok Timothy grabbed 11 rebounds in the win.
Ferdinand Odama scored 11 points, and he was the only UPDF player to score in double digits.
UPDF who have slipped to their fourth loss of the season in seven games, were out-rebounded 52-44!
