Blazers sweep UCU Canons to reach NBL finals as Leopards keep playoff hopes alive

Defending champions Namuwongo Blazers booked their place in the National Basketball League (NBL) finals after completing a 3-0 semifinal sweep over UCU Canons with an 89-72 victory at Lugogo Arena on Wednesday.

The Blazers, who won the opening two games 89-62 and 92-62, finished the series in style to remain on course to retain the league title.

Namuwongo made another strong start, taking the first quarter 24-17 before carrying a 44-37 lead into halftime.

The defending champions took complete control after the break, outscoring the Canons 28-15 in the third quarter to build a 20-point advantage before comfortably seeing out the game.

Kasereka Tembo starred with a game-high 20 points after making five of his six three-point attempts. Nyembo Fataki added 14 points and five assists, Anthony Chukwubuka scored 13 points, Arthur Wanyoto contributed 11 points off the bench, while Tonny Drileba finished with nine points and five assists.

For UCU, Lwabaga Ibanda and Marvin Jesse Okurut scored 16 points each, Alier Pech recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Flore Dushime added 12 points.

UCU struggled from long range, converting only eight of their 28 three-point attempts, while the Blazers punished them with 13 three-pointers.

In the women's playoffs, KCCA Leopards kept their semifinal hopes alive after defeating UCU Lady Canons 70-55 in Game Three.

The result reduced UCU's series lead to 2-1 after the Lady Canons had won the opening two games.

KCCA led 16-9 after the first quarter before UCU cut the halftime deficit to 27-23. The Leopards regained control by winning the third quarter 22-14 and closed the game with a 21-18 final period.

Ninette Uwineza and Sharua Nakirya scored 12 points each for KCCA, while Tracy Namugosa added 10. Susan Rebecca Aanyu collected eight rebounds.

For UCU, Matrina Anyango and Sylivia Nantongo scored 14 points apiece, with Anyango also grabbing 11 rebounds. Sarah Namale added eight points and eight rebounds from the bench.

The Lady Canons struggled offensively, shooting only 23 percent from the field and making just five of their 35 three-point attempts. Although they won the rebounds 54-35, their 20 turnovers proved costly as KCCA capitalised to force a Game Four which will be played on Sunday at Lugogo.

Friday's semifinal action has City Oilers who lead Rezlife Saints 2-0 after their 72-66 Game Two victory and need one more win to complete the series.

JT Lady Jaguars are also one victory away from the finals after opening a 2-0 advantage against Magic Stormers following a 74-64 win in Game Two.

Men's Semifinal (Game Three)
Blazers 89 Canons 72
Namuwongo Blazers win series 3-0

Women's Semifinal (Game Three)
Leopards 70 Lady Canons 55
UCU Lady Canons lead series 2-1

Friday (Lugogo Arena)

Game three

Lady Jaguars v Stormers 7pm

Oilers v Saints 9pm

Sunday (Lugogo Arena)

Game four 

Leopards v Lady Canons 12pm