- KIU Titans 56-64 Power
KIU Titans suffered their third loss of the 2017 National Basketball League season thanks to another fourth quarter collapse on Friday night.
A common place for the Kansanga based side when facing their equal, KIU were slow off the blocks despite scoring the game opening basket as Power quickly assumed a 10-2 lead.
With the majority of the fans backing them, Power controlled the tempo of the game in the first quarter they won 21-13 with Paul Odong, Joseph Ikong and Michael Makiadi taking charge for the five-time champions.
Unusual of the KIU, they started the second period strong with an 8-0 run to wipe out Power lead in just under four minutes. Titans (8-3) moved the ball better and Chris Omanye attacked the basket at will scoring 9 of his side’s 19 points in the frame. Power only managed 9 in the quarter and trailed by 2 points (32-30) at halftime.
KIU kept the foot on the pedal despite having a shaky third quarter and went into the final frame leading by 5 points. 48-43.
Titans fourth quarter collapse
Titans started the fourth quarter with a turnover by Sam Agutu and it did not bode any good. Makiadi quickly brought Power level as he found no match in KIU’s key.
Michael Bwanga temporarily brought Titans level at 50 with a lay-up but there after, offense was at premium and defense was in shambles.
Nijimbere sparks of brilliance
Anorld Lando handed Burundian import Williy Nijimbere his debut. The guard-forward replaced Paul Odong a few minutes into the second but his presence was not felt until deep in the fourth quarter.
Nijimbere twice got behind KIU’s defense and made a couple of easy two including an alley-oop that got the fans on their feet. He later connected on a mid-range jumper to complete his debut with 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 13 minutes.
Makiadi turned in a 20 points, 20 rebounds performance to pace Power. Odong added 13 points and Ikong chipped in with 9.
Bwanga scored 15 points in a losing effort, Chris Omanye contributed 13 points and assisted 6 baskets while Geoffrey Soro added 7.
