Watoto defeated the Entebbe Knight Riders 53-42 in game 3 to win the quarterfinal series 2-1. This victory meant that they booked their place in the semifinals and are 3 wins away from NBL promotion.

The Knight Riders won game one 49-41 but Watoto leveled the series after a 63-62 win in game two. Game three was expected to be very competitive and despite the low scores, it turned out as expected.

Watoto opened with a triple from Elijh Nsereko but the Knight Riders made a 7-0 run to take a 4-point lead.  From there onwards, they were scoreless for the next 6 minutes. In that time, Watoto made an 11-0 run to take an 8-point lead. After the first quarter, Watoto led 12-7 and the lead grew bigger at the end of the second.

The Knight Riders cut the deficit to 2 points but once again, the close of the quarter was bad. They scored just 3 points in the final 5 minutes of the half and Watoto took advantage. They led the game 25-17 at halftime.

In the entire second half, Entebbe Knight riders was trying to reduce the deficit but Watoto never allowed them to make a run. Watoto made sure to keep them at arms distance and secure a 53-42 victory.

Top Performers

Fortunate Kamugisha scored a game high 13 points. Victor Makmot was the other Watoto player in double digits and he finshed with 10 points. Omara Emmanuel had a quiet night offensively but he registered 12 rebounds.

Mark Okot was the only Knight Riders player with double digit scores and he finished with 10 points. Edgar jjunju and Angelo Akeen scored 9 points.

What next?

Watoto advanced to the semifinals and they will face Berkley next. These two teams were both in Division Two in the 2025 season and one of them will be playing in the NBL next year. Who will have the edge? The semifinal is a best of five series.

The Entebbe Knight Riders once again came up short. They will be looking to strategize and prepare for the 2027 FUBA Division One season.