Watoto defeated the KIU Titans 67-60 in game three to take a 2-1 lead in the 2026 Division One Finals series. This was a game in which both teams had their moments but Watoto took over in the fourth quarter.

Coming into the game, Watoto had won game 2, 48-42, to level the series. In game 1, KIU had won 64-59. Game 3 was very pivotal because the winner here would take a big advantage and both teams knew that.

Efficient Watoto

Watoto was efficient in the first quarter and they led the game 21-16. They made 8 of their 12 attempted filed goals but one thing disturbed them and those were the turnovers. They had 8 turnovers in the first period alone and KIU scored 6 points from those turnovers.

KIU Titans takeover

The game completely turned around in the second quarter. Watoto was scoreless for more than 7 minutes and KIU scored 12 unanswered points to take a 7-point lead.  It looked like Watoto had their backs against the wall until Edrine Mugisha hit a big three to give Watoto their first points in the quarter. They went on to score 6 more and at halftime, KIU led 32-30. A big second half was up next.

Close third quarter

The third quarter was very competitive as neither team made a run. The big lead by any team was 4 points and the lead changed 4 times. There were 2 big talking points in the quarter and they stirred up a lot of emotions from the crowd and the players. James Osinde set-up Victor Makmot for an alley-oop and this sent the crowd in a frenzy. The other incident was the Daniel Odokonyero disqualifying foul. As Victor Makmot was going for a dunk, Odokonyero fouled him hard and it was very dangerous. Victor was forced off the floor and later taken to hospital. This riled up the crowd.

Watoto takeover

At the start of the fourth, Watoto took over. They made a 13-2 run to take a 10-point lead with over 5 minutes to play. KIU tried to comeback in the game but that cushion that Watoto had was enough to see them through. With about a minute left, Okumu Emmanuel drained a 3 to make it a 3-point game. However, Omara Emmanuel responded instantly and that was the final stroke. Watoto went on to win the game 67-60.

Top Performers

Omara Emmanuel came off the bench and registered a double-double. He finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Fortunate Kamugisha had 13 points while Victor Makmot had 9 points and 8 rebounds in 17 minutes.

Richard Mutawulu made a team high 14 points including 4 3-point shots made. Akena Ryan and Chieng Garang registered 11 and 10 points respectively.

Game 4

Watoto has now won back-to-back games and is oozing with confidence. A win in game 4 would mean that they have one hand on the championship. On the other hand, the KIU Titans will be looking to level the series. Game 2 and 3 were all close but they never managed to secure the wins. A win in game 4 would mean that their championship aspirations are very valid.

The game will be played on Wednesday 21st October at YMCA. The game shall tip-off at 8pm.