Okias'' masterclass sinks KIU

By Charles Mutebi

Airtel National Basketball League

Women

KIU 88 Nabisunsa 44

A1 75 Gladiators 24

Men

Ndejje 82 KIU 78

Falcons 83 Heaters 51

FUBA Division 1

Men

Sharing 72 Bush Court 65

Women

Cubs 37 St. Michael 31

Nkumba 53 YMCA 28

Angels 57 Crane High 54

Development League

Old Timers 51 Dolphins 44

S. Force 70 C.High 44

YMCA 70 Emperors 60

TLC 46 Planets 43

THE joke of the evening was that Ndejje Angels’ coach Walker Obedi had vowed not to lose again in the Airtel National Basketball League this season.

Obedi’s players nearly turned the joke on him, surviving the KIU Titans to win 82-78 in overtime Sunday at the YMCA. 

Brian Odur nailed a team-high 18 points for the Angels, with Geoffrey Soro adding 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Steven Okias, Francis Tumusiime and Jonah Otim drilled 14, 13 and 10 points respectively for Ndejje, who were still hurting from the loss to City Oil.

Ndejje ended the first half leading 36-30 and started the last quarter 55-50 ahead. But Nimrod Kaboha’s KIU rallied in the fourth period and regained the lead four minutes in.

Edwin Kateregga grabbed 22 points and 15 rebounds while Chris Omanye sunk a masterful 19 points for KIU, who looked like they would snatch a win at the death.

Still, Ndejje were up 67-64 with 28 seconds to play. Two possessions later, Titans centre Akol Bol found himself all alone outside Ndejje’s key.

Surely the big man wasn’t going to attempt his first three of the game? Bol thought about it for a second, then nailed the three to tie the game. 

Both sides then missed a chance to score the winner, sending the contest to overtime, where Okias’ experience made the difference.