The UPDF Tomahawks breathed fresh life into their National Basketball League survival campaign with a hard-fought 78-71 overtime victory over the UCU Canons at YMCA Court, completing a season double over the Mukono-based university side.
In a contest that carried significant implications at both ends of the standings, the Tomahawks showed resilience and determination, overcoming a strong UCU outfit to secure perhaps their most important victories of the season.
With their NBL status hanging in the balance, UPDF entered the game knowing that anything less than a win would further complicate their survival bid. A win in this game was imperative and given that they had defeated the Canons in the first round, the army-side was oozing with confidence.
In the first quarter, both teams went toe-to-toe at the start but the UCU Canons managed to create some separation and create an 8-point lead. However, in the second quarter, the Tomahawks showed their marksmanship as they sunk 5 3-point shots and outscored the Canons 22-14 to level the game. In the final 2 minutes of the quarter, UCU was limited to just 2 points, highlights how well the army side had played defensively.
Neither side managed to established a comfortable advantage throughout the second half but UPDF took a 5-point lead with less than 5 minutes to spare. UCU turned the tables around quickly and took a 2-point lead and they looked poised to claim victory, as they led by 4 points with under a minute to play. However, just when you thought that UPDF was done, they managed to get back to back clutch buckets to send the game into overtime.
The teams once again went toe-to-toe in the extra period but the Tomahawks made a 7-0 run in the final 2 minutes and this led them to a memorable 78-71 victory.
The result completed a remarkable season sweep for the Tomahawks, who have now beaten the Canons in both meetings this campaign. For a team battling relegation, defeating a traditionally competitive UCU side twice represents a significant achievement.
Player Stats
UPDF Tomahawks
Bang Difu Demasio 20 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast
Godwin Muhamireho 12 pts, 9 reb, 3 ast
Austin Odiwuor 15 pts, 7 reb
UCU Canons
Jimmy Otim 29 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast
Ekirapa Zechariah 7 pts, 11 reb
UPDF have a 6-15 record and face the Victoria Crocs in their final 2 game of the regular season. If they win that game, they ensure their survival and could potentially make the playoffs. If they lose, they could survive relegation if the UMU Flames lose their game against the JT Jaguars.
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