Lady Canons, Blazers draw first blood in semifinals

UCU Lady Canons and Namuwongo Blazers made winning starts to their National Basketball League semifinal series after defeating KCCA Leopards and UCU Canons respectively on Wednesday at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The Lady Canons overcame a strong start from the Leopards to register a 79-71 victory and take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

KCCA raced into a 7-0 lead before Sylvia Nantongo sparked UCU's comeback with a lay-up. The Lady Canons recovered to lead 23-20 after the opening quarter before extending the advantage to 45-35 at halftime following Igiraneza Christa Ciella's late three-pointer.

UCU maintained control after the break, stretching the lead to 66-50 heading into the final quarter.

The Leopards fought back through Tracy Namugosa and Ninette Uwineza, who both hit crucial three-pointers, but the Lady Canons held on for an eight-point win.

Sylvia Nakituka led UCU with 21 points, while Sylvia Nantongo added 20 and Zoe Atek contributed 11.

Namugosa scored a game-high 23 points for KCCA, with Angella Zainah Lokwameri adding 13 and Sherinah Mwenyango finishing with 10.

In the men's semifinal, defending champions Namuwongo Blazers overwhelmed UCU Canons 89-62 to also move 1-0 ahead.

Namuwongo never looked back, using aggressive defence to force 23 UCU turnovers, which they converted into 36 points.

Kasereka Tembo came off the bench to score 22 points, five assists and seven steals, while Innocent Ochera added 21 points, including five three-pointers.

Daniel Muganzi was UCU's top scorer with 12 points.

On Friday, City Oilers will begin their semifinal campaign against the fast-rising Rezlife Saints in Game One.

The Saints now face their biggest test yet against multiple champions City Oilers in a best-of-five semifinal series.

Although the Oilers remain favourites because of their experience, Rezlife have already shown they can no longer be dismissed as underdogs. They were among the teams to defeat the Oilers during the regular season, adding extra intrigue to the contest.

Game Two of both semifinal series will be played on Sunday at Lugogo Arena.

The women's action starts with JT Lady Jaguars against Magic Stormers before UCU Lady Canons host KCCA Leopards. In the men's category, Namuwongo Blazers will again face UCU Canons before City Oilers begin their semifinal series against the fast-rising Rezlife Saints in the day's final game.

National Basketball League Playoffs

Women's Semifinal (Game One)

Lady Canons 79 Leopards 71

Men's Semifinal (Game One)

Blazers 89 Canons 62

Friday (Lugogo Arena)

Lady Jaguars v Stormers 7pm

Oilers v Saints 9pm

Sunday (Lugogo Arena)

 Game Two

Stormers v Lady Jaguars 12pm

Leopards v Lady Canons 2pm

Canons v Blazers 4pm

Saints v Oilers 6pm