KIU Titans regain semifinal lead with win over YMCA Hamsters

By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Main Campus- KIU Titans moved within one win of returning to Uganda’s National Basketball League after beating YMCA Hamsters 74-64 on Sunday, 4th October, 2026 at Ham Stadium to regain the lead in their FUBA Division One semifinal series.

The Titans took a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-five series after YMCA had levelled the contest on Friday, 2nd October, 2026.

Daniel Odonkonyero and Arthur Ryan Akena led the Titans with standout performances. Odonkonyero finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Akena scored a game-high 23 points and added four rebounds.

Emmanuel Okumu also made a significant contribution with eight points and 10 rebounds as KIU maintained control for most of the game.

The Titans came into the contest knowing that a defeat would put them under pressure in the race for promotion. They responded by taking control from the opening whistle.

KIU and YMCA were tied 17-17 after the second quarter, but the Titans went into halftime with a narrow 34-33 lead.

Lutwama’s side then produced its decisive spell in the third quarter, outscoring the Hamsters 21-13 to open an eight-point advantage heading into the final period.

YMCA threatened a comeback in the fourth quarter but could not overturn the deficit. KIU won the final quarter 19-18 to complete the 10-point victory.

Christian Ndibu led YMCA’s effort with 10 points and 15 rebounds, while Denis Kizito and Hijah Mulisho added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Despite their individual contributions, the Wandegeya-based Hamsters could not regain the advantage in the series.

The Titans now need one more victory to book their place in the Division One final and secure a return to the National Basketball League after their relegation from Uganda’s top flight in 2025.

Game 4 will provide KIU with its first opportunity to close out the series and complete its push for promotion.