National Basketball League third place playoff
Tuesday 7th
UCU 70 Uganda 70
Kampala, Uganda: UCU Canons capped off their 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) season with a solid 70–60 victory over Sommet Spartans in a tightly contested third-place playoff held Tuesday, October 7, at Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala.
Sommet began the clash on the front foot, edging UCU by two points in the first quarter. But the Mukono-based Canons responded swiftly, tightening their defense and forcing the Spartans into difficult long-range attempts.
Kasereka Tembo’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc kept Sommet within reach, but UCU’s composure and control saw them enter halftime with a 6-point advantage.
In the third quarter, Sommet staged a fierce comeback. Mark Ngobi’s determined drive to the basket tied the scores at 44–44 with 1:20 left, before Sommet nudged ahead by a single point heading into the final stretch.
However, UCU’s experience and defensive discipline proved decisive. Led by captain Daniel Muganzi, who notched 18 points, alongside Flore Dushime (15) and Alier Pech (12), the Canons executed a late surge to reclaim control and seal victory.
Despite spirited efforts from Ngobi (17 points), Peter Cheng (14), and Tembo (12), Sommet couldn’t overturn UCU’s late momentum.
The win cements UCU Canons’ consistent reputation as one of Uganda’s top basketball programs, finishing among the league’s top three for yet another season.
Meanwhile, attention now turns to the highly anticipated Finals where Namuwongo Blazers will lock horns with ten-time champions City Oilers in a best-of-seven showdown starting Sunday, October 26, at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The first team to reach four wins will be crowned the 2025 National Basketball League champions.
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