It was a dramatic end to the game but with 7 minutes left in the third quarter, all signs had pointed to an easy win for the Ndejje Angels as they had a 22 point lead with the game in the firm grip of their hands.

The first quarter was characterized by very many turnovers from both teams but Ndejje Angels took a 9 point lead.

Livingstone tried to fight back hard in the second quarter but the the Angels kept them at arms length, Cikom Monyabi scoring the last 2 baskets and giving them a 16 point lead at half time.

“We stuck to what was working for us, we had our plays and we were able to execute them very well” Harold Alinaitwe when asked on their good first half performance.

Ndejje Angels added salt to injury, scoring 6 unanswered points to start the third and making it a 22 point lead, the largest of the game.

For the next three (3) minutes, Livingstone’s defense and offense were top notch, going on a 12:0 run to make it a 10 point game and cause a bit of discomfort to the the Ndejje Angels.

Amara Ariho and Derrick Otim also made 2 huge 3-point shots, keeping Livingstone in the game with Ndejje leading by nine (9).

For the first 5 minutes of the final quarter, Ndejje Angels did not have any points on the board and Livingstone, who was playing very hard and exceptional defense had the game in their hands. However, they missed too many easy basket opportunities which ended up costing them in the end.

Diopa Durocher gave Livingstone their first lead of the game with 4:32 left but they couldn’t build on that, letting Ndejje comeback in the game and taking the final blow.

Christian Ndibu, who had been very quiet on the offensive end the whole game managed to scored the final 5 points of the game, giving Ndejje Angels a 55:64 victory.

“After getting the lead, we became comfortable, we were not executing what was working for us” Harold on blowing away that 22 point lead in the fourth quarter.

Match Stats

Ndejje Angels

Diopa Durocher 12 pts, 9 reb

Oscar Byomuhangi 13 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 6 stl

Bismarck Okot 8 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk

Amara Ariho 8 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl

Livingstone

Christian Ndibu 9 pts, 19 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl

Harold Alinaitwe 13 pts, 1 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl

Cikom Monybai 8 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk

Jonathan Oketch 9 pts, 3 reb

Benon Wobusobozi 9 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast

Talking points

Livingstone, particularly Diopa Durocher (4/14), struggled from the free throw line, making just 6 of the 25 attempted. For a side that’s trying to win a game, that is one place that you ought to capitalise from but Livingstone just had a stinker of a game in that aspect.

“If you can’t convert on the line, you can’t win a basket game and we didn’t do ourselves justice on that, it has costed us” Coach Eric Matovu on Free throw struggles of Livingstone.

The fighting from them is very commendable, being down 22 half way the third and then coming up and taking the lead half way the fourth says alot about the character of the players.

“It’s what we are going to use to build on, the Never say die attitude. In our next game, we shall build on that to kick start our momentum” Coach Eric on the fighting spirit tha boys showcased.