HOIMA (Uganda) - The first step is always the hardest, but for Namuwongo Blazers, their first step on the Road to BAL 2027 Group D was probably the easiest.
The Ugandan champions made light work of Comoros side Ushindzi de Ouani at Hoima City Arena, running away with a 109-45 win without needing to engage second gear.
For coach Luis Lopez, the game was more like an experiment with his roster, especially with the defensive schemes.
Lopez tried out the full-court press, man-to-man and the zone, incorporated with traps, at different intervals of the game and with different sets of players.
The traps in press or zone found a lot of success, with Ushindzi’s guards Ansal Salim and Maoulida Ibrahim forced into turnovers, which, when combined with others, led to 31 points for the Blazers.
Lopez’s preferred starting five of Jonathan Jordan, Richaud Pack, Fataki Nyembo, Makhtar Gueye and Peter Olisemeka consistently played together for the first six minutes of every quarter.
The quintet delivered offensively, especially through Gueye (17 points) and Nyembo (18 points), mostly off dimes from Jordan and Pack.
The bench was always switched up, with youngster Edrine Ekau and wings Peter Obleng and Moses Mugisha the most consistent.
Jimmy Enabu and Tony Drileba shared point roles, while vet James Okello and Arthur Wanyoto shared the bench minutes for the 5 position.
Obleng regularly found himself in a sweet spot under the basket but also jetted in for putbacks as he tallied a game-high 22 points.
Next Up
For Ushindzi, the day off on Thursday is perfect for reflection and correction before they return to action on Friday against Urunani.
Meanwhile, for Namuwongo, the foundation is built, and they return to action Thursday against COSPN.
FIBA