The 2023 FUBA Div 1 Finals Game 1 brought out all sorts of emotions to the fans at YMCA. Euphoria, elation, delirium, delight, optimism, dissatisfaction and upset were all on full exhibition as Livingstone won it with the last trigger in overtime.

The game came with so much hype as Livingstone was one of the 2 teams that defeated the Jaguars during the regular season and knew that they had to just do a repeat of that game.

The Jaguars coming from the back of a very close win in game 3 against Victoria University, knew the importance of closing the game early in order to avoid late panic and anxiety that comes with a close game.

The game started with so much fire, but it was Livingstone that took the lead at the end of the first quarter. Both teams missed total 25 Field Goals, Jaguars with 13 of those. This paints the picture of how even the game was but Livingstone had more possessions thus the lead.

The Jaguars gained a bit of momentum in the second quarter and came with 2 points twice, but Livingstone kept a small cushion for themselves. The Jaguars had a lot of missed opportunities in which they could have tied or taken the lead but the shots were falling.

The Jaguars carried on Playing their game and inevitable had to happen, they took their first lead since the first quarter with 3:42 left in the third quarter.

Stone City took back the lead, but the Jaguars closed the game with a 6:0 run to take a 2 point lead heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter had fans hearts beating at very high rates because the tension was too much for both sets of fans.

With 57 seconds left, The Jaguars led by 3 points and a timeout was called by Livingstone. Everyone thought that they would opt for a 3 point shot, but the play was designed for the big man Diopa Durocher to attack the rim and he unfortunately failed to convert. They managed to secure the offensive rebound and kicked it out to Bismarck, who took his time but also failed to bury the 3 pointer.

Benjamin Shango who picked the defensive rebound was fouled and had a chance to make it a 5 point game from the free throw line.

There was a quick transition by Livingstone and this time round, Diopa attacked the rim, made the finish through contact and was sent to the line with a possible game tying opportunity which he utilized.

The Jaguars called another timeout with 15 seconds left, they managed to score on the possession but the shot had not been gotten off in time, thus overtime, an episode 2 of “Malaria time”

Livingstone got off to a perfect start, securing a 5 point lead but the Jaguars turned tables around and took the lead with 19 seconds left.

There was a bit of controversy as Kasasa Abubaker was given an unsportsmanlike for fouling before the ball was inbound and Diopa was sent to the line with a chance to tie the game and he missed it.

Livingstone however still had a lifeline with 3 seconds left and it had to be perfectly executed.

The ball was inbound to Oscar Byomuhangi who, in front of 2 defenders managed to get it off in time and right through the basket to give Livingstone the victory.

Match stats

Were Mark 15 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl

Ian Lubwama 14pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

Benjamin Shango 10 pts, 14 reb, 4 ast, 5 blk

Diopa Durocher 15 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk

Oscar Byomuhangi 19 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast

Bismarck Okot 20 pts, 18 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk