NAM BLAZERS CLINCH ELITE 16 BERTH IN STYLE AND CONFIDENCE
Namuwongo Blazers qualify for the BAL Elite 16 after finishing second in the Road to BAL's Division East group. They crushed Djabal 132-58 behind Peter Obleng's 39 points to secure their place.
Victorious Nam Blazers Storm Into Elite 16 With Convincing Display - COURTESY/PHOTO
The favorites were the hosts, Dar City Basketball, while Djabal of Comoros was never predicted to cause any issues.
Namuwongo Blazers' workload lightened a little after it was confirmed that only three teams would participate in the Road To BAL Division East Group Phase.
Djabal of Comoros was never anticipated to cause any issues, while the hosts, Dar City Basketball, were the favorites.
Additionally, the Blazers recovered from a disappointing 83-70 loss against the local team on Saturday to finish second in the qualifying round with a commanding 132-58 victory over Djabal on Sunday.
The Ugandan team's 1-1 record was sufficient to earn them a spot in the Elite 16, the final stage leading up to the coveted Basketball Africa League.
On the strength of a seven-for-eight three-point shooting streak, Peter Obleng had a field day on Sunday, scoring a game-high 39 points.
The forward made all four of his free throws that evening and shot 14 of 23 from the field. He finished his greatest game wearing the Blazers' colors with three rebounds and four assists.
Arthur Wanyoto and Moses Mugisha each scored 11 points, while Jimmy Enabu and Innocent Ochera each scored 13.
As the Blazers dominated Djabal, Jaycson Ray Bereal Jr. and Toluwalope Obasa each scored ten points.
In Friday's opening round of the tournament, Dar City thrashed Djabal 102-50.
The Blazers will now focus on the Elite 16 in November, which will provide another Ugandan team a chance to play at the BAL.
Despite missing out on the previous season, City Oilers have participated in two BAL editions.
It is unclear if the Blazers will put in enough effort to advance past the more challenging Elite 16.
The Blazers were significantly enhanced by the signing of Jaycson Ray Bereal Jr., Toluwalope Obasa, and John Murray.
The National Basketball League finals, which begin on Friday, will be the team's primary priority for the time being.
Rezlife and UCU Canons were swept in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, by the Blazers, who finished first in the regular season log with a 19-3 record.
Additionally, they enter the championships with a slim advantage over the ten-time champs after defeating the Oilers twice during the regular season.
UGANDA CUBS’ SPIRITED SHOW ENDS IN NARROW 3–2 PARAGUAY LOSS
The Uganda Cubs (U17) fell 3-2 to Paraguay in a thrilling Dubai friendly. Despite goals from James Bogere & Abubakali Walusimbi, a defensive error cost them. Coach Ssenyondo remains upbeat ahead of their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.
Paraguay Edge Uganda Cubs 3–2 in Dubai - COURTESY/PHOTO
In Tuesday night's final international friendly match of the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup, the Uganda Cubs, Uganda's U17 national team, put up another valiant display but lost to Paraguay, a South American squad, 3–2.
The game was the final test for the Cubs before their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup debut in Qatar. Once more, Brian Ssenyondo's charges displayed attacking promise, but defensive lapses undid their progress.
James Bogere, the young Ugandans' danger man, gave them the lead in the 24th minute. Bogere had previously scored against Venezuela and was continuing his excellent scoring record.
But Paraguay fought back, as Alan Ledesma equalised in the 40th minute from the penalty spot.
Almada Derlis gave the South Americans the lead with a well-executed goal four minutes later, guaranteeing Paraguay had a 2-1 lead at halftime.
After the half, Uganda returned with renewed vigour, applying pressure to Paraguay before Abubakali Walusimbi levelled the score in the 55th minute.
Despite the comeback, De Cavalho Mouricio took advantage of a defensive blunder to slide in the game-winning goal in the 71st minute, giving Paraguay the lead again.
After an encouraging 1-1 draw with Venezuela in their opening match, Uganda lost to Panama 2-1, marking their second loss in Dubai.
Following the match, head coach Brian Ssenyondo remained upbeat ahead of the World Cup and thanked his troops for the experience they received throughout the camp.
"I am grateful that this camp has taken place, and I would like to thank the Federation for this initiative as it has provided us with a realistic picture of what the World Cup will be like," Ssenyondo stated.
It means a lot because the teams we have faced are from the same area as our group rivals, Canada and Chile. The good news is that we have scored first in each of the three games, demonstrating our offensive ability. We need to get better at game management and defence. I think everything will be set up by the time we play our first game in Qatar.
At the forthcoming FIFA U17 World Cup, Uganda is grouped with Canada, Chile, and France in Group K. They will play their first match against Canada on November 5.
Even though the Cubs have lost all of their friendlies in Dubai, their performances have taught them important lessons and given them more self-assurance before their first appearance on the international scene.
LADY DOLPHINS TAKE CHARGE IN NBL FINALS, BEAT JAGUARS 2-1
JKL Lady Dolphins take a 2-1 NBL Finals lead after a dominant 77-59 win over JT Lady Jaguars. A strong fourth-quarter performance sealed the victory for the defending champions.
Flavia Oketcho rewinding the days, contributing 13 points while sinking 4 of 5 three-point field goals - COURTESY/PHOTO
The JT Lady Jaguars fell apart in the fourth quarter, giving the JKL Lady Dolphins a 2-1 lead in the National Basketball League playoffs.
At the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Tuesday, the JKL Lady Dolphins defeated the JT Lady Jaguars 77-59 in the NBL Finals.
Despite getting off to a strong start, the Kira-based team dropped their second straight game due to the Lady Dolphins' zonal defence.
The Lady Jaguars took a six-point (24–18) lead at the end of the first quarter after the Lady Dolphins' high pick and roll failed.
Becky Keren Longom came off the bench to strengthen the defence of the defending champions as the Lady Dolphins struggled to keep up with the Lady Jaguars' rapid transitional style.
The Lady Dolphins led by a slender margin of one point (36-35) at the half.
As the Lady Jaguars entered the final quarter trailing by one point (52–51), they improved their defence after coming out of the locker rooms.
The Lady Dolphins' experience and mindset provided them with the advantage in the last quarter as the Lady Jaguars struggled offensively and made poor decisions.
Sudi Ulanga, the coach of the Lady Jaguars, had to call a timeout because the team was ahead 8-0 going into the fourth quarter. However, the Jaguars trailed by 18 points and were only able to score eight points in spite of the team talk.
The Lady Dolphins' top scorers in double figures were Brenda Ekone (11 points), Evelyn Nakiyinji (12 points), Hope Akello (17 points), and Flavia Oketcho (13 points).
However, the only Lady Jaguars players to score in double figures were Rhoda Nagitta (15 points) and Shakirah Nanvubya (13 points).