The Namuwongo Blazers are marching into the 2025 National Basketball League finals in grand style after completing a clean 3-0 sweep over UCU Canons, capping it with a dramatic 85-76 overtime win at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday night.
The clash had all the ingredients of a playoff classic, momentum swings, clutch shots, and heart-stopping drama.
Florence Dushime set the early tone with a buzzer-beating three to hand the Canons a narrow 22-21 first-quarter edge. By halftime, UCU held onto a slender 40-37 cushion, keeping Blazers’ faithful on edge.
But the Namuwongo side roared back after the break, with Marvin Jesse Okurut’s smooth jumper sealing the third quarter as the Canons slipped behind 58-51.
Refusing to bow out quietly, UCU fought back ferociously, forcing overtime after knotting the game at 73-all in the dying moments.
That’s where the Blazers’ composure and depth shone brightest. In the extra five minutes, UCU could only muster three points, while the Blazers powered to a nine-point win that sealed their ticket to the championship series.
Michael Makiadi and Peter Obleng each dropped 13 points, while veteran guard Jimmy Enabu added 12 to spark Namuwongo’s scoring arsenal. UCU’s resistance came through Jimmy Otim (17 points), Joel Kayira (14 points), and Alier Pech Lier (13 points), but their efforts fell just short against the relentless Blazers.
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