Makerere Sparks defeated St Cyprian Kyabakadde 56-52 in game 3 to win the series 2-1. In game one, Makerere Sparks had won 57-52 but St Cyprian responded in game two with a 67-64 victory to level the series. Everything was on the line in game three and both teams had to give their all.

The final score doesn’t tell the whole story because by the halftime break, the game was as good as already decided. The teams were tied at 12 points apiece after the first quarter. However, Makerere outscored St Cyprian 22-5 in the second quarter to take a 17-point lead into the halftime break.

Early in the third quarter, Makerere extended their lead to 21 points, the biggest in the game. From that point onwards, St Cyprian was chasing the game and despite coming close to making a comeback, they fell short. With over 5 minutes left in the game, St Cyprians had cut the deficit to just 3 points but Makerere managed to hold them off to secure the 56-52 victory.

Afuwa Nabawanga led Makerere Sparks in scoring with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Denize Nabugasha led in steals with a game high 8 steals plus 13 points. St Cyprian had 3 players in double digits. Mamer Adong (11 points, 12 rebounds) and Grace Zawedde (12 points, 16 rebounds) both registered a double-double while Resty Nakibuuka scored a team-high 13 points.

What next?

For St Cyprian, this has been a historic season for them as it was their first. Despite falling short in the semifinals, the team ought to be proud of what they were able to accomplish. For Sparks, the quest for NBL promotion is still on. They face Seeta High, a side that has been in form since the start of the second round. Additionally, they were the first team to defeat Makerere this season.

The semifinals series is a best of five and the first to three wins will earn NBL promotion. Is this the year for Makerere or will Seeta High get their ahead of them?