By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus- KIU Titans have reached the 2024 National Basketball League Semifinals after sweeping JT Jaguars in the best-of-three quarterfinal series at YMCA court on Sunday.

The Titans won game two 57-41 at the fully parked  YMCA Court on Sunday to actualise a repeat of the 2022 semifinal against the Namuwongo Blazers, who eliminated Our Saviour.

The Titans who went into Sunday's game needing only victory to be in the semifinals won game one 60-51 two weeks ago.

They were dominant all through whilst displaying some magnificent basketball despite the Jaguars fighting so hard to keep the game closer before the Titans unleashed their beast mode to stretch the lead beyond reach in the fourth quarter.

"I want to appreciate the team and management for getting us to the top four," KIU Titans Head Coach Julius Lutwama said Postgame.

"It's quite exciting that we won this game even without three of our players. We didn't have Ivan Lumanyika, our best defender Stanley Mugerwa and Ahmed Kassa but we managed to win, very impressive," he added.

Peter Obleng recorded the only double-double for the Titans as he scored 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Juf Mpiya gave the tie its best highlights as he dunked three times before finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds.

Edgar Munaba was another standout Titan with nine points and 11 rebounds. Team captain Collins Kasujja was also impressive. He added eight points, five rebounds, and three assists.

"They came in strong, but we had our core, throughout and we managed to win," Kasujja said post-game.

"We need to talk a little bit more and improve our offense and defense heading into the semifinals," he added.

Joel Lukoji Banza posted 10 rebounds, two points, and four assists.

"Reaching the semifinals is another challenge for us, and we are aware it's going to be a tough one," Lutwama noted.

"We now head back to the drawing board to work on our weaknesses and improve on our strengths heading into the semifinals," he added.

The Semifinals will be played in the best of five format with the first team to win three times progressing to the finals.