By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus -KIU Titans are looking for their ninth consecutive win in the National Basketball League this season as they prepare to face off with UCU Canons who are looking for revenge after the Titans beat them in the UCU Open final earlier this year. This mouthwatering encounter is at the YMCA court on Friday evening at 9:00 PM EAT.

KIU Titans head Coach, Julius Lutwama is adamant that nothing will change his team's mentality and plans for this game and the season at large in response to the revenge threats from the Canons.

"Beating them at their home changes nothing about this Friday's game and it can't be any reason for us to be comfortable, so we intend to react to each moment of the game respectfully," he said.

"Both teams play 40 mins down the stretch, we shall go down together."

UCU Canons has changed a lot from the team that beat KIU Titans in both rounds last season but their philosophy and playing style haven't changed that much. And Lutwama acknowledged the fact that UCU Canons is a tricky side that is well-managed and requires a top-quality approach to overcome.

"UCU is a very tricky team to play season in and out it's a group that's well managed and u have to be on top of yourself to overcome it. So we are working towards this game seriously and carefully," he said.

KIU Titans top scorer Amisi Saidi Danny Carmelo and center, Collins Kasujja have had some minor injuries and Lutwama confirmed that the team's medical team will assess them before tip-off.

Amiisi Saidi who is averaging 15 points per game and Peter Obleng whose average stands at 10 points per game have been key for the Titans' impressive run so far this season.

And so is Evergreen, Captain Joseph Chuma, Vice Captain Stanley Mugerwa, Innocent Ochera, and Edgar Munaba who have also been impressive in recent weeks and are in good health and mood to keep up with their magnificent performance.

Shooting guard Isaiah Mabeny Ater and Joseph Chuma are facing their former team and will be looking to prove to their former bosses that they are still the products they miss.

KIU Titans go into tonight's University derby having already silenced noisy neighbours, Namuwongo Blazers, and with all eyes on the prize, they will need to maintain their impressive voyage.