The YMCA Hamstars defeated the number one seed Ihoops 92-90 in a game 3 that was decided in double overtime. This was an end to end game but YMCA managed to prevail and advance to the semifinals.

YMCA took game one 68-60. However, Ihoops managed to level the series after a 70-67 victory in game two. Game three was one for the book and both teams left everything on the floor as expected.

In the first quarter, YMCA led by as many as 10 points but at the end of them, Ihoops had cut the deficit to just 1 point. The game was 24-23 but Blair Wadaya had 13 points including 3 3-point shots. In the second quarter, YMCA still had the edge and extended their lead to 4-points. Once again, Wadaya Blair made 2 3-point shots and by halftime, he had 19 points.

In the third quarter, YMCA continued to exert themselves in the game. They extended their lead to 14 points, the highest in the game. However, Ihoops closed the quarter with a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to 7 points.

Waleed Omar turned up in the final quarter. He made 3 3-point shots and the game completely turned around. With less than 5 minutes left, the game was tied and remainder of the quarter was full of tension. There was not so much in terms of scoring for the rest of the game but Ihoops looked like they had won the game until Christian Ndibu scored in the final seconds of the game.

In overtime one, YMCA led by as many as 6 points and looked like they were on their way to victory. That was not the case though. They missed 4 consecutive free throws and Ihoops managed to tie the game and send force double overtime.

In double overtime, Ihoops led by as many as 3 points but YMCA closed the game with an 8-3 run to win the game 92-90. This victory sent them to the semifinals.

Top Performers

YMCA had 2 players with 20+ points and 3 with double-doubles. Christian Ndibu registered 22 points, 21 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks. Derrick Wekesa also had a top night and he finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Dennis Kizito had a game-high 10 assists and 11 rebounds. Michael Ssekibenga and Barack Eminat registered 12 and 10 points respectively.

Wadaya Blair registered a game-high 22 points while Mithiang Biong registered a game-high 22 rebounds plus 12 points. Edward Komakech, Shukwan Samuel Chol and Waleed Omar registered 14, 17 and 16 points respectively.

What next?

Ihoops fall short in the playoffs once again. They will look to strategize and try their luck in 2027. For YMCA, they advanced to the semifinals and will face the KIU Titans in the semifinals. The semifinals series is a best of five and the first team to three wins gets promoted to the NBL.