Familiar failing as Buzangu sinks Titans

KAMPALA. Over the last three seasons, KIU Titans have assembled rosters that many feel are good enough to win a National Basketball League title.

Sadly for the Kansanga-based outfit, they have often fallen short when it mattered most as they failed to reach the final two positions in that period.

While Friday’s game against Pemba Warriors was never a championship decider, the Hamza Nyambogo coached side gave the impression that will still come up short in the big games.

Having been second best for most of the game against the Warriors, KIU almost snatched an unlikely victory before falling 75-74 courtesy of Mike Buzangu’s late free-throws.
With 23 seconds on the clock in the fourth quarter, Sudi Ulanga sank a three-pointer before Chris Omanye’s drive and layup gave the Titans their first lead at 74-73 with 15 seconds left.

“You can never rule them out. We had some brilliant moments but also mental lapses and they maximized on that. The win shows that we can compete for the championship which is our ultimate goal,” Pemba Warriors coach Ronnie Mutebi stated after the game.

The Warriors led by 13 points midway through the final quarter with Syrus Kiviiri key to their offensive game on a night he shot 6 of 10 from downtown.

The guard finished with a game high 19 points but was ultimately upstaged by Buzangu who converted both free-throws after he was fouled by Omanye with 1.6 seconds left to decide the tense game.

The victory improves the Warriors to an impressive 8-1 record while KIU slump to 8-2.
NAT. BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Sunday fixtures at Lugogo
Gladiators vs Lioness
A1 Challenge vs Stormers
JKL Lady Dolphins vs Lady Canons
Betway Power vs N. Marines
Falcons vs City Oilers
UCU Canons vs Our Saviour
Friday results
Pemba Warriors 75-74 KIU Titans
Javon Ladies 57-49 KIU Rangers