KIU Titans Edge Miracle Eagles to Reach Division One Semifinals

By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus — KIU Titans have advanced to the semifinals of the FUBA Division One playoffs after edging Miracle Eagles Basketball Club 70-68 in a thrilling Game Two of their best-of-three quarterfinal series at Ham Stadium on Sunday, September, 20th, 2026.

The Titans held their nerve in a closely contested encounter to complete the series victory and keep their push for promotion on course.

KIU's victory was built around a balanced scoring effort, with four players reaching double figures.

Arthur Ryan Akena delivered an outstanding all-round performance, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double that proved crucial in the two-point victory.

Daniel Odonkonyero also scored 15 points while collecting three rebounds, as the Titans found enough offensive production to withstand Miracle Eagles' challenge.

Yesman Bushiri contributed 11 points, while Ambrose Olum added 10 points and five rebounds to complete KIU's quartet of double-digit scorers.

Miracle Eagles were led by Emanuel Ladho, who produced the game's highest individual scoring output with 16 points and 11 rebounds. His double-double kept Miracle in contention throughout the contest, but KIU ultimately did enough to protect its narrow lead.

With the game separated by only two points at the final buzzer, the Titans' ability to execute in the decisive moments proved important as they closed out the series without needing a third game.

The result is another significant step in KIU's rebuilding campaign following the team's return to Division One after relegation from the National Basketball League last season.

The Titans have steadily built momentum during the campaign, combining experienced players with emerging talent as they pursue a return to Uganda's top-flight basketball competition.

Their quarterfinal victory over Miracle Eagles now sends them into the last four, where the challenge becomes even greater and every possession will carry increased significance.

For head coach Julius Lutwama, the semifinal qualification provides another opportunity to test the depth and resilience of a side that has spent much of the season rebuilding its identity.

The Titans will now turn their attention to the semifinals, with their promotion ambitions still alive.

After surviving a two-point thriller against Miracle Eagles, KIU will head into the next stage knowing that consistency, defensive discipline and execution in tight moments could prove decisive in their pursuit of a place in the Division One final.

The other quarterfinal series  are all  tied at 1-1 after two games each.