Nairobi rout leaves Namuwongo Blazers no margin for error
Ugandan champions Namuwongo Blazers suffered a 24-point defeat to Nairobi City Thunder after a second-half collapse that turned a potentially historic victory into a baptism of fire.
Tony Drileba and James Okello confer during a break in action against Nairobi City Thunder. Courtesy Photo
BAL Elite 16
Nairobi 89 Namuwongo 62
Namuwongo v Johannesburg (Wednesday)
By halftime, it was a one-possession game. After the break, it turned into a blowout.
Ugandan champions Namuwongo Blazers suffered a 24-point defeat to Nairobi City Thunder after a second-half collapse that turned a potentially historic victory into a baptism of fire.
Namuwongo's debut appearance in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 qualifiers on Tuesday became a game of two halves, with the Blazers competitive in the first two quarters but largely absent in the last two.
The Blazers won the opening quarter, with new signing Jovan Mooring, who finished with a team-high 15 points, controlling play at point guard. James Okello, with 11, was the only other Blazer to reach double figures.
Namuwongo trailed 43-40 at halftime and appeared set for a tightly contested finish. It was not to be.
The Blazers must defeat the Johannesburg Giants later today, Wednesday, to keep their hopes of BAL qualification alive.