UCU Canons Pull Off Stunning Comeback to Edge Victoria Crocs and Reach NBL Semifinals

UCU Canons survive Victoria Crocs thriller to secure NBL playoff semifinal berthThe UCU Canons produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs, overcoming the Victoria Crocs 61-60 in a thrilling Game 3 encounter to secure their place in the semifinal stage.

In a contest filled with momentum shifts, defensive battles, missed opportunities and late-game heroics, the Canons demonstrated remarkable resilience to overturn a difficult situation and keep their championship ambitions alive.

The high-pressure winner-takes-all clash was played on Friday, 17th July, at the YMCA Court in Wandegeya, bringing an intense best-of-three quarterfinal series to a dramatic conclusion. With both teams having won one game apiece, the decisive encounter carried enormous stakes, as only one side could progress to the next stage of the playoffs.

The game was arguably the most entertaining quarterfinal matchup so far, with both teams displaying incredible determination and refusing to give their opponents any breathing space. The contest remained finely balanced until the final moments, and it looked destined for overtime before the final play unfolded.

Mark Ngobi had an opportunity to send the game into an extra period from the free-throw line with just one second remaining, but his missed second attempt allowed the Canons to escape with a narrow victory.

Before that dramatic finish, many believed the Victoria Crocs had done enough to win the game. The Crocs had controlled large portions of the contest and appeared to have the semifinal ticket secured.

However, the UCU Canons produced a remarkable late-game fightback, showing the same never-give-up mentality witnessed during their memorable comeback against the Namuwongo Blazers in the second round of the 2025 regular season.

Coach Roger Sserunyigo’s Victoria Crocs started the game with tremendous energy and intensity, immediately imposing their style of play on the Canons. They played at a high tempo, moved the ball effectively and applied pressure defensively, forcing UCU into several early mistakes.

The Canons struggled with turnovers in the opening minutes, and Victoria capitalised on every opportunity to build an early advantage.The Crocs’ aggressive approach helped them control the rhythm of the first quarter. Their defence disrupted UCU’s offensive flow, while their ability to convert opportunities created by turnovers gave them confidence. By the end of the opening period, Victoria had established a 21-15 lead and looked like the team more prepared for the pressure of a deciding playoff game.

The UCU Canons, however, responded with composure and experience in the second quarter. They cleaned up their ball handling, became more patient in possession and began finding better scoring opportunities. The improvement was immediate, as they slowly regained control and forced Victoria to adjust their approach.

UCU’s defensive effort also played a major role in changing the momentum of the game. The Canons limited the Crocs to only four points during the opening five minutes of the quarter while scoring 16 points of their own, creating the foundation for a strong turnaround. Their improved execution allowed them to take a narrow 35-31 lead into the halftime break.

The Victoria Crocs returned from halftime determined to reclaim the advantage and immediately changed the direction of the game. They came out aggressively in the third quarter and produced an impressive 9-0 run that shifted the momentum back in their favour.

For most of the second half, Victoria appeared to have control of the contest. Their defence remained organised, their offence was patient, and they managed to maintain a comfortable lead as the clock continued to run down. The Crocs looked ready to complete the series victory, but the final two minutes brought a dramatic twist that changed everything.

With about two minutes left in the game, the Victoria Crocs held an eight-point lead and looked to be heading towards the semifinals. The pressure was mounting on UCU, but the Canons continued to fight and found a way back into the contest.

Mark Ngobi had a chance to deliver what could have been the decisive moment when he missed a layup that would have extended Victoria’s advantage. Instead, the Canons responded immediately. Flore Dushime attacked the basket, split the defence and finished strongly at the rim to reduce the deficit to six points.

After a timeout, Victoria answered through Cedric Alema, appearing to restore their control of the game. However, UCU refused to surrender. Lwabaga Ibanda responded with an important basket before the Canons received another opportunity when Enoch Lubangekene committed a costly turnover on an inbound play.

Daniel Muganzi made Victoria pay for the mistake, calmly knocking down a crucial three-pointer to bring the Canons within three points with less than 90 seconds remaining. That shot gave UCU renewed belief and completely changed the atmosphere inside the YMCA Court.

Muganzi continued his outstanding contribution moments later, converting an and-one opportunity and making the additional free throw to bring the game level. The pressure had suddenly shifted back onto Victoria, who were now fighting to hold on after being in control for much of the contest.

After the Crocs missed their next opportunity, Marvin Jesse Okurut stepped up for the Canons and gave them the lead with a simple but crucial layup. Once again, Victoria’s defence was exposed, allowing UCU to complete an incredible turnaround when the game seemed almost lost.

The Canons then had a chance to seal the victory but committed an out-of-bounds turnover, giving Victoria one final opportunity. With only one second remaining, Ngobi was fouled while attempting a shot, leaving him with the responsibility of keeping the Crocs alive.

Two successful free throws would have sent the game into overtime. Ngobi calmly converted the first attempt, but his second shot hit the back of the rim, confirming a dramatic 61-60 victory for the UCU Canons and ending Victoria’s playoff run.

Individual brilliance lifts Canons

Despite the difficult ending, Mark Ngobi delivered an outstanding all-round performance and was arguably one of the best players on the court. He narrowly missed a triple-double after recording 17 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals, proving his importance to the Canons throughout the contest.

Chuol Nyuot also played a major role despite facing early foul trouble. Whenever he was on the floor, he provided a strong defensive presence and disrupted Victoria’s offensive plans. He finished with 15 rebounds, nine points, three steals and three blocks.

Flore Dushime once again produced a superb playoff performance, leading the Canons in scoring with 17 points while adding seven rebounds. His ability to attack the basket and create opportunities was vital during UCU’s late comeback.

Zachariah Ekirapa contributed a valuable double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Daniel Muganzi and Lwabaga Ibanda also reached double figures with 10 and 11 points respectively. Muganzi’s late-game heroics, especially his crucial three-pointer and and-one play, proved decisive in the Canons’ comeback victory.

Semifinal challenge awaits

After surviving one of the toughest quarterfinal battles of the season, the UCU Canons now advance to the NBL playoff semifinals, where they will face the formidable Namuwongo Blazers.

The semifinal clash will be a repeat of last year’s playoff meeting between the two sides, with the Blazers sweeping the Canons 3-0 in the 2025 series. However, UCU enters this year’s contest with renewed confidence after overcoming adversity against Victoria.

The stage is now set for another exciting chapter in this rivalry. Having shown incredible resilience in their quarterfinal battle, the Canons will hope their dramatic victory provides the momentum needed to challenge Namuwongo and complete a revenge mission.