By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus-KIU Titans needed a five points margin to complete a double against UPDF Tomahawks in a 64-58 victory on Sunday evening (23rd July 2023) at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

It was a close game and a highly contested encounter all through and it was teamwork and composure that saw the Titans emerge victorious and able to survive a late UPDF surge midway in the fourth quarter.

"It was a tough game, given we were playing a wounded team, fighting to avoid relegation. Average performance from our side, way below average but given the amount of injuries we have, we will take it," KIU Titans Coach Julius Lutwama said in a post-game interview.

KIU Titans led, 29-38 at halftime and this was the biggest margin in the entire game with the two teams separated by three points in the third quarter (16-13) before tying in the fourth which ended 13-13. This meant the Titans had completed a fourth double this season.

KIU Titans’ leading scorer, Amisi Saidi Danny added 18 points to his tally of the season and was instrumental in this victory in which he also registered three rebounds and four assists before being awarded a medal as the game's best player.

"I missed the Nam Blazers' game due to injury, am so grateful with my performance tonight, and am so happy with my teammates."

"It wasn't an easy game but we tried to fight and finally we got a win."

Two other Titans scored in double figures, Denis Balungu registering 10 points and Isaiah Ater Mabeny with 11 points. Peter Obleng who only returned to the squad after missing the last three fixtures scored nine points and six rebounds while team captain Joseph Chuma followed with seven points and eight rebounds.

KIU Titans are currently in third place on the NBL men's table with 31 points, three points below City Oilers and five below table leaders Namuwongo Blazers respectively.

It should be noted that Second-placed City Oilers have played the same number of games as the Titans (17) while leaders Namuwongo have played 20 games.

The National basketball league will now close for two weeks to allow basketball enthusiasts to go and cheer the Gazelles who are representing Uganda at the Afrobasket games due July 28th, 2023 in Kigali Rwanda.

The Titans will return to action against KCCA Panthers on Saturday 12th August 2023.