UMU Flames finally made the leap to the NBL after sweeping Nkumba Marines 3-0 in the semi-finals.

After multiple futile attempts, this year was seen as the year of the Flames and they managed to get promoted.

They were the number one seed in the regular season with just 2 losses and were favorite to advance.

In games one and two, the UMU Flames came out on top, winning 75-68 and 71-58 respectively.

The Nkumba Marines had to win in order to extend their season but it was not going to be an easy task.

The Flames led game three, 13-11, after the first quarter.

However, their was a lot of excitement from the fans because of the number of blocks seen.

Nkumba registered 5 blocks in the opening quarter with William Dombai getting 3 of those.

In the second period, both teams went toe-to-toe and at the halftime break, UMU led 29-28.

The third quarter was a game of runs.

Nkumba made an 8-0 run at start but shortly after, UMU made a 9-1 of their own.

To close the quarter, UMU made a 7 points while limiting Nkumba to zero in the final 3 minutes.

This gave them the lead, 47-41, with the final period remaining.

In the fourth quarter, UMU Flames kept making big play after big play.

They never gave the Nkumba Marines a chance to get back in the game and they managed to see out the game, 60-53.

Player Stats

UMU Flames

Joshua Duallo 13 pts, 12 reb, 3 blk

Gatwech Kong 9 pts, 8 reb, 5 stl

Rubahumbya Jassey 7 pts, 6 reb

Nkumba Marines

Aluma Rukubo 14 pts, 4 stl

Dombai William Mabor 10 pts, 15 reb, 7 blk

Arop Mahol 6 pts, 13 reb, 2 blk

UMU Flames has finally advanced to the National Basketball League.

They will take on the UPDF Tomahawks in the finals.