UPDF Tomahawks’ fight for survival ended in disappointment with a 67-62 loss against Victoria Crocs in the National Basketball League at YMCA Court on Sunday.
Needing a win to keep their hopes alive, the Tomahawks did not deliver on the court and still could not avoid relegation. The result confirmed their drop to FUBA Division One alongside Kampala Rockets.
The game looked to be slipping away early. Victoria Crocs led 22-15 after the opening quarter and stretched the advantage to 11 points by halftime.
With their top-flight status on the line, UPDF responded strongly in the second half. They chipped away at the deficit before producing a decisive 10-0 run in the final quarter to turn the game around and still didn’t secure victory.
But while the loss offered a negative ending to their season, that was not enough to save them from relegation.
The conclusion of the regular season has also confirmed the eight teams that will battle for the National Basketball League title. Namuwongo Blazers head into the playoffs as the top seed, joined by City Oilers, Rezlife Saints, UCU Canons, Victoria Crocs, Sommet, KCCA Panthers and JT Jaguars.
The playoffs will begin on July 19 after a break for the Uganda men’s national basketball team, the Silverbacks, who have an upcoming qualification window.
