UCU Canons rally late to Stun Victoria Crocs, reach NBL semifinals

National Basketball League playoffs

Canons 61 Crocs 60

Sunday (Lugogo)

Sommet v Saints 4pm

Men's Quarterfinal Game Three

UCU Canons captain Zachariah Ekirapa praised his teammates for their resilience after they fought back from eight points down in the closing minutes to beat Victoria Crocs 61-60 and reach the National Basketball League (NBL) playoff semifinals on Friday at YMCA Court.

"We never stopped believing in ourselves even when we were eight points down. Everyone stayed together, trusted the game plan, and kept fighting until the final buzzer because we knew anything was possible," Ekirapa said.

The captain was among UCU's standout performers, posting a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds as the Canons completed a remarkable comeback in the decisive Game Three of the best-of-three quarterfinal series.

Flore Dushime led UCU with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Daniel Muganzi scored 10 points, including crucial late baskets, and Lwabaga Ibanda added 11 points.

Victoria Crocs looked set to progress after opening a 57-49 lead with just 1:40 left in the fourth quarter. However, UCU refused to surrender.

Ibanda sparked the fightback before Muganzi buried a three-pointer and later completed a three-point play to level the game at 59-59. Marvin Jesse Okurut then scored the go-ahead layup before Mark Ngobi missed his second free throw with one second remaining, allowing UCU to escape with victory.

Ekirapa credited the team's dominance on the boards for keeping them in the contest despite spending much of the second half chasing the game.

"Winning the rebound battle gave us extra possessions and second chances. Those opportunities helped us stay in the game, and eventually they made the difference when every possession counted," he said.

UCU outrebounded Victoria Crocs 60-46, limiting their opponents to one shot on several possessions while creating valuable second-chance opportunities of their own.

Ngobi finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Victoria Crocs, while Blessed Cedric Alema scored 13 points and Cyrus Wobusobozi contributed 10 in defeat.

Despite the dramatic win, Ekirapa said the Canons must quickly shift their attention to the semifinal series against Namuwongo Blazers.

"Reaching the semifinals is important, but our work is far from finished. We must recover well, prepare properly, and carry this fighting spirit into the series against Namuwongo Blazers," Ekirapa said.

UCU will now face Namuwongo Blazers in a best-of-five semifinal series, while City Oilers await the winner between Rezlife Saints and Sommet BC, whose quarterfinal series will be decided on Sunday at Lugogo.