Victoria University has continued to wreak havoc in the second round and their latest victim was the Rezlife Saints who they dominated and secured an easy 63-40 victory.

Victoria University were very intent on taking down another Division One giant after their huge 70-55 victory win against Sommet 2 days before and everything went accordingly.

The first quarter was low-scoring, 10-9 in favor of Victoria University but they upped their game in the second quarter.

Rezlife Saints was restricted to just 6 points in the second quarter whereas Victoria scored 18 to get a 13-point lead at halftime.

Faliryano Labalu William was the game-changer for Victoria as he came off the bench to score 12 points in the second quarter.

He made 3 of his first 4 3-point shot attempts and that gave Victoria University the momentum which carried them through to halftime.

To start the third quarter, Victoria University did not a point in the first 4 minutes and Rezlife made 6 points to come within 7 points.

However, Victoria woke up from their nap and took over the remainder of the quarter.

They closed off the quarter with a 7-2 run and as the fourth quarter approached, they had amassed a 21-point lead.

The 2 teams went at each other in the fourth quarter but it was already a finished game and Victoria took it 63-40.

Coaches’ Reactions

Victoria University coach Rogers Serunyigo commented on what helped them win the game;

“The boys are tucked in and they want to win. When they got that loss against Miracle, it hurt deep and i believe they learnt a very good lesson”

He also talked about the adjustments that they have had to make as a team.

“The one thing we’ve changed is that we have to defend. It’s not only about scoring.  As V.U, we can score but the main issue is defending and we are trying to get a lot of stops and rebounds”

The coach also had kind words for Faliryano Labalu who was the game changer.

“He shoots well, he reads the game, just that he’s susceptible to injuries but he’s a very good player and was he game changer today”

With 11 wins in 12 second-round games, the coach doesn’t think they are the favorites yet.

“We are still underdogs but we are working to get our way there” he concluded

Rezlife Saints Jjuko Daniel gave his thoughts on what made them lose the game;

“They got stuck in a zone and we failed to execute our plays. We thought they’d move out and get to man to man but their zone worked for them and we failed to beat it”

About having been out of action, he commented about how it’s affecting them but was also optimistic about the future.

“Game-wise, we are not fit. We struggled again K.U and we have struggled again today but these games keep us going, by the playoffs, we shall be good to go”

Match Stats

Victoria University

Faliryano Labalu 19 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast

Muhindo Prince 12 reb, 9 pts, 2 blk

Cyrus Wobusobozi 9 pts, 6 ast, 3 stl

Rezlife Saints

Michael Othieno 8 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl

Acinbai Apugi 12 reb, 7 pts

Victoria University now has a 21-6 record and despite their chances of finishing as the number seed being meager, they still can if they win all their remaining games and Rezlife Saints falters.

They take on Tropical Royals next on Sunday 3rd November at YMCA.

Rezlife Saints have a 20-3 record and are tipped to finishing as the number one seed.

They take on Entebbe Archers next on Sunday 3rd November at YMCA.