HOIMA (Uganda) - The Namuwongo Blazers went into their contest against the Patriot Basketball Club on the back of two victories against the Ushindzi de Ouani and the COSPN teams.
They secured the important victory that sent them through to the next round of the Road to BAL qualifiers for a second consecutive season, but it took overtime to hold off a determined Patriot side led by veteran Ater Majok, who scored 23 points and took 15 rebounds, and former BAL MVP Michael Dixon, who scored 21 points.
For Namuwongo’s head coach, Luis Alberto Lopez, the most important thing was victory.
“We are very happy to have won such a tough game. People enjoyed it because it went to overtime,” said Lopez. “We have created a very good group. We are a family now and everyone is happy that we have qualified for the Elite 16.”
Backed by the home crowd, Namuwongo dominated the first half with good ball movement, shooting and defence. However, the Patriots switched things up in the third quarter, as the Blazers' offence stalled slightly in the second half.
“This is basketball; anything can happen at any time. We were tired, we missed open shots and free throws at crucial moments, and they scored lots of 3-pointers in the second half. They also ran the fast break very well in the third quarter and we couldn’t stop them,” said coach Lopez.
‘We improved in the fourth quarter, and in overtime we had control. Basketball is up and down, but in the end, we won, and that’s the most important thing.”
Makhtar Gueye (17 points and 8 rebounds) and Jonathan Jordan (20 points) gave their all for the Blazers, logging 38 minutes each.
Next up
The East Division Group D schedule concludes on Sunday, with Patriot playing Ushindzi and Namuwongo taking on Urunani.
FIBA