The Namuwongo Blazers lit up the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday night, delivering a powerful statement of intent as they dismantled the UCU Canons 73-58 in game two of the National Basketball League semifinal series.
With back-to-back wins, including their 68-60 triumph in game one, the Blazers now stand just a single victory away from sealing a place in the finals. Their momentum is further fueled by the recent green light to represent Uganda in the prestigious Road to BAL 2026, a milestone that seems to have injected fresh fire into their game.
The clash started in electrifying fashion, with Innocent Ochera drilling a dagger three-pointer to close the opening quarter. That shot not only silenced the Canons but also capped a blistering 28-13 start for the Blazers, putting them in early cruise control.
But the Canons refused to fold. They turned the screws defensively in the second quarter, holding the Blazers to a paltry seven points. That gritty stand cut the deficit to just four by halftime, the scoreboard reading 35-31 in favor of the Namuwongo side.
The intensity only escalated in the third quarter. Trading baskets blow for blow, the Canons clawed back to within three points at 55-52 heading into the final stretch. It looked like the university side might just turn the tide.
Then came the storm. The Blazers flipped the switch in the fourth quarter, blowing the game wide open with relentless drives, airtight defense, and clinical finishing. By the final buzzer, a 15-point gulf told the story of dominance and resilience.
Joel Lukoji was the night’s shining star, torching the Canons with 24 points. Veteran James Okello chipped in with a commanding 17, while Arthur Wanyoto added 14 to complete a trio of double-digit scorers for the Blazers.
For the Canons, the offensive spark was dim. Only Jimmy Otim (12) and Ekirapa Zachariah (11) managed to hit double figures, as their teammates struggled to keep pace with the Blazers’ ruthless attack.
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