Tembo, Ochera Inspire Blazers to Comfortable Victory Over UCU Canons

Kasereka Tembo and Innocent Ochera produced outstanding performances as Namuwongo Blazers launched their National Basketball League (NBL) semifinal playoff campaign with a convincing 89-62 victory over UCU Canons at Lugogo Arena on Friday.

The defending champions started their best-of-five semifinal series on a strong note, using a combination of offensive efficiency, defensive discipline, and control of possession to secure a 1-0 lead. The victory placed the Blazers two wins away from reaching the NBL finals as they continue their quest to successfully defend the league title.

UCU Canons entered the contest determined to challenge the reigning champions and matched Namuwongo’s intensity during the early stages of the game. The opening quarter was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading baskets and refusing to give away any advantage. After 10 minutes of action, the scores remained level at 17-17, setting the stage for an intriguing battle.

The Blazers, however, found another gear in the second quarter and began to take control of the encounter. Their defensive pressure increased while their attacking movements became more effective, allowing them to create a significant gap on the scoreboard. Namuwongo outscored UCU 29-14 in the period to take a commanding 46-31 lead into halftime.

The second quarter proved to be the turning point of the game as the Blazers capitalised on their scoring opportunities while limiting UCU’s attacking options. The defending champions displayed composure and experience, ensuring that the Canons entered the second half with a difficult task of overturning a 15-point deficit.

After the break, Namuwongo continued to dictate the pace of the contest, refusing to allow UCU any chance of a comeback. The Blazers maintained their defensive organisation, controlled the tempo, and continued adding points to their tally as they stretched their advantage throughout the remaining quarters.

Tembo was at the heart of Namuwongo’s offensive charge, leading the scoring with an impressive 22 points. Ochera was equally influential, contributing 21 points to the dominant victory, while Peter Obleng added 13 points as the champions received valuable contributions from their key players.

Despite the defeat, Daniel Muganzi stood out for UCU Canons, finishing as the only player from his side to score in double figures with 12 points. However, the Canons struggled to find consistent scoring options against a disciplined Namuwongo defence that kept them under pressure for much of the game.

The statistical battle also reflected Namuwongo’s superiority on the night, with the Blazers winning the rebounding contest 44-40. Their ability to secure possession and create second-chance opportunities played a crucial role, while UCU’s struggles with ball security further affected their performance after committing 23 turnovers.

The result gives Stephen Nyeko’s side an early advantage in the semifinal series and boosts their confidence as they push towards another finals appearance. The Blazers will now look to build on their opening victory and move closer to securing a place in the championship decider.

The other men’s semifinal series will also continue to attract attention as City Oilers and Rezlife Saints prepare to battle for a place in the finals. Both teams will be aiming to make a strong start when they meet in Game One of their series.

Game Two of the semifinal playoffs will take place on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at Lugogo Arena, with matches involving both the men’s and women’s teams scheduled from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. The fixtures will provide another opportunity for the playoff contenders to strengthen their push towards the NBL finals.