By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Titans ended the first round of the 2024 National Basketball League(NBL) in style after an emphatic 85-53 Victory over Ndejje University Angeles at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday.

The Titans' Victory was greatly by a spectacular team performance that saw four players register double figures.

Julius Lutwama's Titans led 21-11 in the first quarter 7 before adding 21 more points in the second quarter to establish a 21-point difference at halftime.

They maintained their lead in the third quarter which ended 67-40. The fourth quarter was only about sealing the win though the Titans scored 18 more points to win the game with a 31-point margin.

It was another bright outing for the on-form Denis Omara as he scored the game's highest 15 points, adding three rebounds and two assists.

Edgar Munaba, arguably the team's best player in the first round bounced back to his best after a dismal performance on Friday. He registered the game's only double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds. He also added three assists.

"I feel happy to end the first round this way. All the credit to my teammates for playing as a team, playing for one another and moving the ball very well," Munaba said post-game.

"I must say, the first round has been fair for us. We have lost only three games and won the rest. Our goal is to get even better in the second round," he added.

Juf Mpiya and Joel Lukoji Banza scored 13 points apiece. Mpiya added nine rebounds, four assists and six steals while Banza summed up the day with four rebounds and three assists.

"It was a great game from the Titans and it feels good to end the first round with a positive result," Head Coach Julius Lutwama said Post game

"The boys tried to implement most of the things we talk about in training and they have tried to correct most of the wrongs," he added.

There was worry when team Captain Collins Kasujja left the game prematurely after suffering a concussion following a bad landing but according to Coach Julius Lutwama, Kasujja is in good health though he insists the team's medical team will reassess his condition on Monday.

"Kasujja got a concussion before being carried off the court but he is back to his footing and we expect the medical team to examine his situation and a report will be out on Monday," he said.

KIU Titans are third on the National Basketball League men's table, below Namuwongo Blazers and City Oilers respectively.

They will have only four days to rest before tipping off the second round on Friday against UCU Canons.