The KIU Titans kept their hopes of returning to the NBL alive after sweeping the Miracle Eagles in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FUBA Division One season. KIU, which was the number five seed, eliminated the Miracle Eagles after a 2-0 win in the series.

Tense game 2

On Sunday 20th, the teams met for game 2 and this was a very tense game that was decided in overtime. The day before, KIU had won game one 60-51 and Miracle had to win game 2 in order to extend the series. Miracle started strong and they looked like they had the game. However, KIU forced overtime and sealed the win in the final 10 seconds.

Inside the first 5 minutes, the Miracle Eagles had taken a 12-point lead. They led the game 23-14 after the first period but things changed in the second quarter. Their offense declined tremendously as they scored just 8 points. The KIU Titans used this opportunity to reduce the deficit and at the halftime break, Miracle led 31-27.

Both teams were neck and neck in the third quarter with the biggest margin being 6 points. Just before the end of the quarter, the game was tied but Vicent Kamya hit a big shot to give the Miracle Eagles a 3-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Titans came out swinging in the fourth quarter. They scored 8 unanswered points but Miracle made an 8-0 run of their own to retake the lead. In the clutch time, the teams were not separating each other by much but Miracle was up. Yesman Bushiri scored a three to tie the game and send it into overtime.

In overtime, the lead changed 7 times. Whenever one team scored, the other replied. In the final seconds, the game was tied and it looked like double overtime was looming. That was the case until Ambrose Olum delivered a very late game winner.

Top Performers (Game 2)

Akena Ryan registered a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Daniel Odonkonyero also had 15 points and a game high 6 assists. Ambrose Olum and Yesman Bushiri finished with 10 and 11 points respectively.

Emmanuel Ladho scored a game-high 16 points plus 11 rebounds. Vicent Kamya added 15 points while Chat mat Lim Bol and Jordan Kintu finished with 11 and 10 respectively.

What next?

The Miracle Eagles season has come to an end but their performances this season have been good. Preparing for the 2027 season early could help them achieve promotion in that season.

The KIU Titans are looking to return to the NBL and are 3 wins away. They face the winner between the YMCA Hamstars and Ihoops in the semifinals. For now, that series is tied 1-1.