The KIU Titans returned to the NBL after defeating the YMCA Hamstars 70-60 in game four of the 2026 FUBA Division One semifinals. KIU won the semifinal series 3-1 and that is how they managed to earn promotion.

Coming into this game, KIU led the series 2-1 after a game three outing. Daniel Odokonyero and Ryan Akena scored 58% pf the team’s points as the Titans won 74-64. YMCA had to stop those two in game four as they had terrorized them in game three.

The first quarter was one to forget for the YMCA Hamstars. KIU thumped them 24-9 to take a 15-point lead. From this point onwards, the Hamstars were chasing and they had to do a lot if they were to make a comeback.

KIU extended their lead to 9 points and it hovered around there for a while. However, YMCA kept fighting and a strong finish to the half saw them cut the deficit to just 10 points.

The energy from the second quarter spilled into the third. YMCA managed to cut the deficit further to 2 points but the Daniel Odokonyero scored very crucial points to end the quarter. He made a pair of free throws and a huge 3-point shot to close the quarter.

The Hamstars weren’t done yet though. Gideon Kuteesa made back-to-back triples to make it a 1-point game but once again, Odokonyero was saved the day. He made a 7-1 run to give KIU a 7-point lead.

YMCA was still in the game and they appeared to be closing the gap. That was until Yesman Bushiri made 5 quick points off of YMCA’s turnovers. Chieng Garang added a jumper to make it an 11-point lead for KIU with less than 2 minutes to play. They went on to win the game 70-60.

Top Performers

Daniel Odokonyero delivered yet another stellar performance. He registered 22 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Chieng Garang registered a double-double with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Richard Mutawulu finished with 10 points.

Christian Ndibu registered a team high 19 points, 15 rebounds and 4 steals. Barack Eminat Victor also registered a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists.

What next

The KIU Titans have returned to the NBL after 1 season in Division One. They will face the winner between Watoto and Berkley. That series currently stands at 2-1 with Berkley in the lead.

The YMCA Hamstars will spend another season in the Division One and continue their pursuit for NBL promotion in 2027. They will face the loser between Watoto and Berkley in a third place playoff.