- Result: Warriors 77-65 JKL Dolphins (Warriors lead series 1-0)
- Today’s Fixture: JKL Dolphins vs. Warriors – 5:00pm, Lugogo
Warriors overcame a 21-point first quarter deficit to defeat JKL Dolphins 77-65 in the National Basketball League playoffs on Saturday at YMCA.
The two-time champions had a cold start to the first of the three-game series and Dolphins, led by vets Norman Blick and Henry Malinga took charge of the opening 10 minutes winning 31-10.
Michael Bazangu took care of the second quarter for Warriors scoring 17 points as the Kyambogo based side also exploded for 31 points while holding their opponents to just 7.
The veteran forward continued with his attack of the basket in third quarter as Syrus Kiviiri cooked from deep. Warriors led 59-52 after three.
Blick opened the fourth quarter with a normal two and Daniel Orenga brought Dolphins within a point (58-59) with a couple of lay-ups.
Warriors extended the lead but Malinga drew JKL level at 62 with just under 5 minutes to play. Amis Saidi and Kiviiri put Warriors back in the lead and never looked back with Philip Ameny taking charge for the 2012 champions the rest of the way.
Bazangu scored game high 23 points and assisted 5 baskets, Ameny added 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds while Saidi and Kiviiri contributed 13 points apiece.
Blick filled the stat sheet with team high 18 points to go with 9 assists and 7 rebounds. Makala Libe and Malinga chipped in with 10 points each while Ogola picked team high 14 rebounds to go with 7 points.
Game 2 of the series is on Sunday evening at Lugogo Indoor Stadium
Other Results
- UCU Canons 63-73 KIU Titans (Titans lead series 1-0)
- City Oilers 76-50 Our Savior (Oilers lead series 1-0)
