UMU Flames defeated the UPDF Tomahawks 53-41 in game 3 of the finals to make the series 2-1.

The energy and desire to defend helped the university side pull one back and clearly UPDF had no solutions.

UMU trailed 2-0 coming into this game and the last thing they wanted was to go down 3-0.

They had to win this game and from the get-go, their desire to fight was very evident.

The first quarter ended 15-12 in favor of the Tomahawks.

UMU had one major problem in this quarter. They weren’t converting on the free throw line.

The Flames attempted 8 times on the free throw line but managed to score only 2 shots.

In the second quarter, UMU Flames turned up the heat on the defensive end.

They forced UPDF into 10 turnovers and most importantly, they made sure that the army side had to toil for every point.

Contests were there on almost of very shot and even in transition, UMU made sure to have a body protecting the hoop.

This paid off as UMU Flames led the game 28-24.

The second half was very competitive until the final 5 minutes of the game.

With about 4:56 left, UMU led the game 40-37 and the game was still there for either team.

However, UPDF didn’t look like they would win. All the energy seemed to be in favor of the UMU Flames.

They defended ferociously amd despite not capitalizing a lot on defense, they managed to frustrate the Tomahawks.

In the fourth quarter alone, UMU registered 7 blocks and forced UPDF into 8 turnovers.

It was as though they had put up an impenetrable wall and the Tomahawks struggled offensively.

UMU closed the game with a 13-4 run in the final 5 minutes and won the game 53-41.

Player Stats

UMU Flames

Joshua Duallo 13 pts, 13 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 7 blk

Malok Marol 11 pts, 8 reb, 3 blk

Gatwech Kong 9 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl, 2 blk

UPDF Tomahawks

Deng Isaac Gai 12 pts, 8 reb, 2 stl

Benjamin Kyazze 8 pts, 5 reb

The UPDF Tomahawks lead the series 2-1.

One important thing to note in this game is the 3-point shooting.

UPDF scored just 2 of their 21 attempts from 3-point line.

In game 2, they made 10 of 22 while they managed to scored 4 of 20 in game one.

UMU Flames has been doing badly in this aspect. They scored 8 from 57 attempts in the first 2 games and 2 from 14 attempts in game 3.

Despite the numbers being low for both teams, this  spoke volumes.

The Tomahawks conversion greatly declined and that was down to the ferocity that UMU played with on defense.

Will this be a determining factor in who wins this series?

Game 3 shall be on Sunday 23rd at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.