In the repeat of the 2024 FUBA Division One Finale, the Rezlife Saints managed to defeat rivals, Victoria Crocs 63-57 on Wednesday 2nd at Lugogo.

The Saints’ who had won their previous game against the Kampala Rockets were not in action in game week 2 and had taken enough rest ahead of this game.

They came in with the mindset to secure a positive result and make it back-to-back wins.

Following their 36-point loss to the Namuwongo Blazers, Victoria University sought redemption in this game.

They played very well in the first quarter; running a lot of transition and getting defensive stops.

As a result, they led after the first quarter 19-11.

One thing to note, though, is the fact that Victoria registered 9 turnovers in the first quarter, and most of them came from the cross-court passes to run the fast breaks.

Victoria reduced on their transition offense in the second quarter and their scores also reduced.

They scored 11 points in the quarter and by halftime, they led the game 31-26.

In the third quarter, Victoria Crocs hit the low of lows in the game.

They scored just 8 points to the Saints’ 18 and Rezlife took the lead 44-39 with the final 10 minutes left.

The game was open for either team to take but Rezlife was just ahead in the fourth quarter and they increased their lead to as many as 10 with under 3 minutes left.

Victoria scored 2 quick baskets to make it a 5-point game with 2:17 left but Apugi happened shortly after.

He scored a huge 3-point shot after being left open and Rezlife made it an 8-point game with 90 seconds left, ultimately winning the game.

Coaches’ Reactions

“This win was very important,” says Coach Moses Okwera. ” For you to stay in the top flight, these are the games you have to win”

About what changed after a slow start for Rezlife, Coach Moses had this to say;

“We told the boys to relax and take it possession after possession. Also our bench helped us a lot”

He also talked about their tactical adjustments in the third quarter that helped them limit Victoria University to just 8 points.

“We played a high 2-3 zone and let them move the ball. When it reached the shooter, we tried to step there. It was just a tactical change of defense and it helped us a lot”

Victoria Crocs’ Head Coach Rogers Serunyigo was disappointed with his team’s performance.

“It was a giveaway. In the first half, we could have blown away the Rezlife Saints by more than 30 points but we had so many misses on the hoop and no on can forgive you for that” he said.

He also talked about their subpar third quarter performance.

“We were cold in the third quarter yet that is when we needed to step up after leading the first half.”

Finally, he commented on the biggest positives he picked from the game.

“I think the boys are fighters and they will come back to fight better in the next games”

Match Stats

Rezlife Saints

Takpiny Apugi 22 pts, 20 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl

Emmanuel Okot 8 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk

Michael Othieno 7 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl

Victoria Crocs

Chuol Nyuot 10 pts, 18 reb, 2 stl, 3 blk

Deng Isaac 10 pts, 10 reb

Cedric Alema 8 ast, 6 pts, 2 reb, 4 stl, 2 blk

Match Facts

Apugi is the first player to register 20+ rebounds in back-to-back games this season.

He is also the first player to register 15+ points and 15+ rebounds in a game in back-to-back games.

He also set the record for the most Rebounds in a game with 22.

Takpiny became the first player to register 20+ points and 20+ rebounds in a game this season.

Cedric Alema set the record for the most assists in a game this season with 8.

Chuol Nyuot had scored 10+ points in 3 consecutive games for the Victoria Crocs.

Apugi is the only Rezlife Saints player to score double digits figures in all the 3 games so far.

Victoria Crocs have now lost back-to-back games and have a 1-2 record.

They return to action on Wednesday 9th against JT Jaguars at Lugogo.

After losing to KCCA in their season opener, the Rezlife Saints have turned their ship around and won back-to-back games.

They have a 2-1 record and will be having 2 games on the weekend.

They take on the UCU Canons on Saturday 5th in Mukono and will close the game week with a duel against Sommet on Sunday at Lugogo.