What was expected to be the most electrifying game in the men’s quarter-finals, the game between Nkumba Marines and UPDF Tomahawks lived up to its hype in game one.

The game had it all, from incredible blocks, intensity from the players, unsportsmanlike fouls and most importantly, late drama.

Moses Mandiria was very dominant defensively and he was a block shy of a triple-double.

With 16 seconds left, Santino Malong had a chance to make it a 5-point lead for Nkumba but missed twice from the line and UPDF launched their final attack which almost broke the Marines’ hearts.

Godwin Muhamireho fumbled the ball from under the rim but was able to retain possession and kick it out to Felix Mukunzi.

Felix took the 3-point shot which would have tied the game but the ball rolled inside the rim 3 times and out it went, sealing the win for Nkumba.

The game started off very slowly with just a total 10 points scored by both teams in the first 6 minutes.

However, the situation changed as the first quarter climaxed with each team having their moments but Nkumba closed with a 6-0 run to cut their deficit to 2.

Henry Okoth scored 10 points for UPDF in the second quarter while Nkumba had multiple sources of offense but as halftime approached, the Tomahawks led the game 34-29.

In the third quarter, the game turned on it’s head.

Nkumba Marines defense elevated to to extreme heights while the Tomahawks seemed to have gone in confusion.

Nkumba made 8 blocks, and 17 rebounds and forced UPDF to just 2/22, 10% Field Goals made.

Additionally, UPDF made 8 Turnovers and this helped Nkumba take control of the game and a 6-point lead with one quarter left.

Nkumba led the game with as many as points but a couple of consecutive errors brought UPDF back in the game and they even hand a chance to take the lead with 1:15 left but Joel Muwonge missed 2 crucial free throws which had a big impact in the end.

Match Stats

UPDF Tomahawks

Okoth Henry 18 pts, 4 ast, 1 stl

Joel Muwonge 14 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl

Godwin Muhamireho 10 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast, 3 blk

Nkumba Marines

Moses Mandiria 17 pts, 14 reb, 9 blk, 1 stl

Matiok Nhial 10 pts, 17 reb, 2 ast, 6 blk

Chol Ajang 11 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl

The 2 teams return to action on Sunday 5th at KIU Kansanga at 14:00 for game 2.

It is a win or go home situation and one would expect that they’ll throw everything they have at Nkumba in order to tie the series and force a game 3.