Basketball: KIU Titans put Warriors to the sword

The KIU Titans led by shooting guard Sudi Ulanga (pictured above) capitalised on Pemba Warriors defensive woes in the second quarter and strolled to a 71-55 win in the National Basketball League Best of five semi-finals Playoffs at Lugogo Arena on Sunday.

On this night, the Warriors who committed 25 turnovers to the Titans 12 witnessed a drastic 17-2 point disparity.

It was a blitz too cold for Warriors to overcome having ended the first quarter 18-17.

And at the end of four quarters, the Titans finished on top squaring the series at one-all breathing life in to their maiden finals hopes appearance.

Ulanga had a game-high 17 points, three rebounds and three steals.

Chris Omanye added 13 points and three assists while Michael Mbwanga and Denis Balungu chipped in 10 points and seven boards apiece for the Titans. Mbwanga also scooped a team-high four assists and three steals.

Mark Opiyo contributed a team-high 12 points for the Warriors.

On offense, Warriors star in Michael Buzangu who always seems uncharacteristically limited with his three-point shot that made him seem fully weaponized eluded him as he had 1-for-8 and 3-for-8 field goals tallying 11 points and grabbed six rebounds.

In the other Men's semifinals, the City Oilers again canned Betway Power 77-59 thanks to a game-high 20 points contribution from lightening-quick point guard Jimmy Enabu who also added four assists and four steals on the night.

Stephen Omony amassed 15 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three assists while Ben Komakech poured in 13 points for the Oilers.

Landry Ndikumana was the only Oilers' player with a double-double 12 points and pulled down 17 boards and James Okello finished with a near double- double nine points and nine rebounds.

Powers' skipper Joseph Ikong totalled a team-high 19 points, seven rebounds shooting 4-for-6 and 3-for-7 from the 3-pointer.

Michael Makiadi finished with 11 points and 16 boards for Power.

Best of five Semifinals Results

Men

KIU Titans 71-55 Pemba Warriors

(Series tied 1-1)

City Oil 77-59 Betway Power

(Oilers' lead series 2-0)

Women

KCCA Leopards 64-48 A1 Challenge

(KCCA lead series 2-0)

UCU Lady Canons 72- 57 JKL Dolphins

(Game 1 UCU lead series 1-0)