Namuwongo Blazers exit BAL qualifiers after tough Elite 16 campaign
The Ugandan champions lost 92-71 to the Johannesburg Giants on Wednesday, November 19, in Nairobi.
Jimmy Enabu in action against the Johannesburg Giants during Wednesday's defeat. (Courtesy photo)
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BAL Elite 16
Johannesburg 92 Namuwongo 71
The Namuwongo Blazers were underdogs.
By the end of their short stint in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers, they had plenty of lessons to carry back home.
The Ugandan champions lost 92-71 to the Johannesburg Giants on Wednesday, November 19, in Nairobi, in another reminder of the exacting standards at this level, with the only consolation being the fact that this was the club's debut appearance in the Elite 16.
Namuwongo had moments when they looked good; for instance, when they outscored Johannesburg 24-18 in the third quarter to slice the Giants' lead to eight points at 64-56. But when they struggled, which was a little too often in their two Group A games, it was hard to watch.
Ultimately, success at this level depends on being able to manage the low moments well and maximising on the really good runs. That is what Johannesburg did, particularly in the fourth quarter, when they outscored Namuwongo 28-15 to put some gloss on their victory.
The Blazers were led by Mohammed Djitte with a joint-game-high 16 points, with James Mooring adding 14 points.
Peter Obleng and Joel Lukoji had 11 points apiece for the Blazers, who, notwithstanding their elimination from BAL qualification, have had a memorable season with their historic National Basketball League championship victory.
Their latest setback should not obscure that achievement, even if no reflections will be complete without paying attention to the lessons from the Elite 16.