Edrine Ekau was the star of the night as the Rezlife Saints defeated the Namuwongo Blazers, 73-71, to end their 15-game winning streak. This victory was also the fourth for the Saints at their home court this season.

This was one of the long awaited games of the season and the Rezlife Saints were out for revenge having lost 73-56 to the Blazers in the first round at ABJA Park. With the game being hosted at the Saints’ home in Lubowa, there was confidence that they would defend their home. However, this wasn’t going to be an easy task as they were against a Blazers team which hadn’t lost since the opening game of the season.

Ahead of this game, the Blazers were in hot form as they averaged 85 points scored and only 54 points conceded in their las 3 games. On the other hand, the Rezlife Saints had won 3 straight games having lost their opening 2 games of the second round. They had also score 70+ points in all those games.

The game started slowly with just 2 points scored in the first 3 minutes but it picked up from there onwards. Namuwongo scored a couple of points in transition while James Okello went to work in the paint. Drileba pulled up from the 3-point line twice and the Blazers looked to be in control as they led 19-14 after the first quarter.

In the second, Edrine Eaku became a thorn in their flesh and they had no answer for him. He scored 4 3-point shots in the quarter and a total of 17 points. The confidence with which he executed was like no other and every time the Blazers thought they had him, he found a way out.

By the end of the first half, the game was tied at 35 points apiece and Edrine Ekau had 20 points with 3-point shots made.

In the third, the Blazers adjusted defensively and put Tonny Drileba on the assignment to stop Ekau. On the first basket of the third quarter for the Saints, the Blazers put a double team on Ekau but he passed between the 2 players calmly and finished it off coolly. A few minutes after that, Rezlife had a transition and Drileba held Ekau and he was called for an unsportsmanlike foul. Ekau went on to make the 2 free throws and he finished with 7 points in the quarter.

Namuwongo capitalized on the free throw line with 7 free throws in the quarter. The game was tied at 51 points apiece and this set the stage for what was a tense fourth quarter.

With just over 2 minutes left, Rezlife led by 3 points but James Okello made a layup plus the foul. He had the chance to tie the game but he missed on the free throw line. On the Saints’ next possession, Mabor found Duot Ajang who had been left alone under the basket and he made the layup.

Arthur Wanyoto was fouled and he made 1 of the 2 free throws but after that, the biggest basket of the Saints happened. Omanye missed second free throw but Rezlife managed to secure the offensive rebound. They attempted and missed but once again, they secured the offensive rebound and Omanye made a drive to the basket to make it a 5-point game with about a minute to play.

Despite efforts to try to force an error, Namuwongo was unsuccessful and the Rezlife Saints won the game 73-71.

Talking Points

The Rezlife Saints had more desire to win it in the fourth quarter. They fought to get offensive rebounds and this paid off heavily. They picked 5 offensive rebounds and this resulted into 8 points. Most importantly, when they picked those offensive rebounds late in the game, they managed to eat a lot of time on the clock and that basket by Omanye sealed the win.

The Blazers missed key free throws late in the fourth quarter. Nyembo had a chance to tie the game but he missed. Okello also had a chance to tie but he also missed and Arthur Wanyoto missed the opportunity to make it a 1-point game. All this came back to bite them in the back.

Player Stats

Rezlife Saints

Edrine Ekau 32 pts, 7 3PM, 9 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl

Duot Ajang 14 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast, 3 blk

Chris Omanye 11 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast

Hon Kwany 11 pts, 4 reb

Namuwongo Blazers

James Okello 15 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl

Jimmy Enabu 14 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast

Franck Nyembo 10pts, 8 reb, 2 blk

Facts

This is the first time the Rezlife Saints have defated the Namuwongo Blazers.

They are the first team to defeat both the Namuwongo Blazers and the City Oilers this season. Edrine Ekau is the first player to score 30+ points against the Namuwongo Blazers this season.

The Rezlife Saints faced the UPDF Tomahawks next on Saturday 23rd at Rezlife Park. Namuwongo Blazers will face the City Oilers next on Friday 22nd and this game could determine who finishes as the number one seed.