The KIU Titans lead the Namuwongo Blazers 2:1 in the series and it is a win or go home game for the Namuwongo Blazers.

Game 3 ended in dramatic fashion, but the Titans managed to secure the win, and they will be looking to advance to the finals for the second time in a row.

In the 5 times the 2 sides have met this season, KIU has won 3, the Blazers with 2 and both teams average over 70 points when they face each other.

In game 3, Joel Lukoji and Kasereka Tembo seemed unstoppable. The pair combined for 36 points and 17 assists and Namuwongo did not have an answer for them.

On the flip side, Jimmy Williams was wreaking havoc, 10 assists and 19 points and also the Titans had no solution for him.

How the guards from either team take on each other will be very critical and we await to see how the strategies the teams employ to counter their opponents.

What Blazers have to do

The biggest task for the Namuwongo Blazers will be to stop Joel Lukoji.

In game one, they made life very difficult for him and he was on the bench most of the time. He played just 17 minutes, scored 4 points, and made 4 turnovers.

If the coach Escodata can figure out a way to put him in clamps, they will have cut the head of the snake.

Foul Trouble

The fouls have been a very big problem for both teams but the Blazers suffered a lot in this aspect in game 3.

Being disciplined will come in handy and the coaches have to tell their players to avoid unnecessary fouls as they could cost the team the game.

Composure

This might be the difference between the winner and the loser. In game 3, we saw 2 unsportsmanlike fouls given out in the final 30 seconds.

How composed will the players be in those pressure moments?

HEAD TO HEAD

Nam Blazers 74:76 KIU Titans

Nam Blazers 77:81 KIU Titans

Nam Blazers 79:61 KIU Titans

Nam Blazers 71:74 KIU Titans

Nam Blazers 63:59 KIU Titans

Top Performers Semi-Finals (3 games)

Nam Blazers

1. Jimmy Williams 19.67 pts, 7 reb, 5.67 ast , 1 stl
2. Peter Cheng 12.33 pts, 8.67 reb, 1 ast, 2.67 stl, 1 blk
3. Innocent Ochera 17.67 pts, 4.67 reb, 2.67 ast, 2 stl
4. Joseph Chuma 10 pts, 8.33 reb, 1 stl

KIU Titans

1. Joel Lukoji 12.6 pts, 4.3 reb, 5 ast, 1.6 stl
2. Kasereka Tembo 12 pts, 2.6 reb, 3.67 ast, 1.3 stl
3. Peter Obleng 15.3 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.3 ast
4. Edgar Munaba 12 pts, 6.67 reb, 3.67 ast, 1.3 stl

Their coach Stephen ‘Escodata’ Nyeko has been very vocal about the team’s ambition; to win the National Basketball League (NBL).

The Blazers now find themselves in a situation where their backs are  against the wall.

They will be expecting their fans to turn up and give them that extra push, but so will the Titans.

Game 4 promises to be a thriller and the atmosphere is expected to be like never before.