The KIU Titans defeated Watoto 64-59 in game one of the 2026 FUBA Division One Finals at YMCA. This game was very interesting and it went down to the wire.

Path to the finals

The KIU Titans came into the finals having defeated the YMCA Hamstars 3-1 in the semifinals. In the quarterfinals, they swept the Miracle Eagles 2-0.

On the other hand, Watoto fought all the way to the finals. They came from down 2-0 to win 3-2 in the semifinals against Berkley. In the quarterfinals, they overcome the Entebbe Knight Riders 2-1 having lost game one.

Finals Game One

The game was very close and both teams had their runs. However, the KIU Titans managed to hold on to win the game.

After the first quarter, KIU led the game 15-11. At the start of the second, they made an 8-0 run with 2 3-point shots made. As thus, they led the game 12-0. Midway the quarter, Watoto made an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 5 points. They then made another 8-0 at the end of the half to lead the game 33-31. Elijah Nsereko scored the final 5 points including a buzzer beater that gave Watoto the lead.

The Titans took the game back in the third. Watoto was limited to just 2 field goals in 6 minutes while KIU scored 11 points to take a 4-point lead. The Titans closed the quarter with a 6-0 run to lead 51-46 at the end of the quarter.

With less than 3 minutes to go, it was a 2-point game with KIU in the lead. Richard Mutuwulu hit a big 3-point shot but Elijah Nsereko responded instantly with a triple of his own. Chieng Garang had a chance to make it a 4-point lead but he missed 2 free throws. James Osinde then made a quick drive to the basket but he missed the layup.

Watoto then made back-to-back turnovers and KIU punished them with 3 points to make it a 5-point game. The Titans then managed to hold on to win the game 64-59.

Top Performers

Chieng Garang registered a double-double with 10 points, 16 rebounds and 3 steals. Daniel Odokonyero scored a game-high 18 points plus 5 steals, 4 assists and 4 rebounds. Yesman Bushiri came off the bench and he finished with 16 points and 4 rebounds.

Sydney David Walusimbi was on fire and he finished with 13 points, 18 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. Elijah Nsereko led Watoto in scoring with 14 points while Victor Makmot had 9 points and 10 rebounds.

Game Two

The KIU Titans lead the series 1-0. The series will return on Friday October 16 for game two at the YMCA. This will be another very interesting series.