The Victoria Crocs ended the UPDF Tomahawks’ National Basketball League campaign on a disappointing note, securing a crucial 67-62 victory that condemned the army side to relegation from Uganda’s top-flight basketball division.

Coming into the final game of the regular season, the Tomahawks knew that victory would not only guarantee their survival but also catapult them into the playoffs. Having revived their hopes with hard-fought wins against the UCU Canons and the JT Jaguars, UPDF entered the contest with their fate firmly in their own hands. What made this even more interesting is the fact that they had all the time in the world to prepare for this game as other teams had already finished playing their games.

When the game started, both teams went for it. There were no signs that lousiness from the Crocs and they showed that they were hungry to for a win. They outscored the Tomahawks 22-15 and set the tone for the remainder of the game. Mark Ngobi, who had a number of fans (mainly family), come to watch him, started strong with 9 points and 2 assists in the quarter.

In the second period, Bolton Rujumba came out strong for the Tomahawks and he scored 9 points in the quarter. Halfway the quarter, the deficit had been cut to 3 points but the army side scored just 2 points in the final minutes of the quarter whereas Victoria scored 10 to lead the game 37-26 at the halftime break. The most disappointing thing in the second quarter was the 6 missed free throws and perhaps it was a sign of what was to come; a loss.

After the third period, the Victoria Crocs led the game 51-40 and UPDF had a huge task to make a comeback. Midway the quarter, they made a 10-0 run to reduce the deficit to 3 points and all of sudden, new life had been breathed into them.

With under 3 minutes, the game was still there for either team to take it as Victoria led by just 3 points. However, Cedric Alema and Deng Isaac scored 2 big baskets that put the Crocs in a comfortable position with less than 90 second to play.

In the final seconds of play, Serefio West Wesley missed 2 free throws and UPDF quickly went up the floor and had a chance to make it a 1 or 2 point game. However, Okello Morris missed the triple but Henry Okoth, who was in a very good position, missed the put back. That was the final stroke and UPDF lost the game 67-62.

Facts

UPDF was relegated from the NBL. Despite have a 6-16 record, similar to the JKL Dolphins and the UMU Flames, the Tomahawks the worst head to head record among the 3 teams.

The Victoria Crocs finished as the number 5 seed and will be facing the UCU Canons in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.

This win also means that the JT Jaguars will finish as the number 8 seed and will face the Namuwongo Blazers in the quarterfinals.

Player Stats

Victoria Crocs

Mark Ngobi 22 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl

Chuol Nyout 15 pts, 15 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl, 4 blk

Cedric Alema 13 pts, 11 reb

Cyrus Wobusobozi 10 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast

UPDF Tomahawks

Bolton Rujumba 18 pts, 13 reb

Okoth Henry 11 pts, 3 reb

The 2026 NBL playoffs will tipoff on 10th July with the venues yet to communicated.