End of the Road for Blazers as Giants march on 

Road To BAL | Group E

• Namuwongo Blazers 71- 92 Johannesburg Giants

Namuwongo Blazers’ Road to BAL dream officially ended on Wednesday night after a heavy 92–71 defeat to Johannesburg Giants at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. 

Coming barely 24 hours after their loss to Nairobi City Thunder, the Blazers found themselves overwhelmed once again, this time by a South African side that dominated from start to finish.

It was a tough evening for the Ugandan representatives, who entered the Elite16 campaign with high hopes but walked away with two straight defeats that shut the door on their Basketball Africa League aspirations.

Johannesburg Giants imposed their authority early, moving the ball with confidence and punishing Blazers’ defensive lapses. 

Nkosinathi Sandile Sibanyoni delivered a commanding performance, dropping a team-high 16 points and pulling down a remarkable 18 rebounds. 

Dhieu Abwok Deing and Lehlogonolo Charles Tholo added 15 points apiece, with Tholo particularly efficient from long range.

The Giants’ depth showed throughout the game, scoring in transition, out rebounding the Blazers, and controlling the pace in every quarter.

For Namuwongo Blazers, it was another night spent chasing the game. Center Sidy Mohamed Djitte gave a spirited fight, leading his team with 16 points and eight rebounds. 

Jovan James Mooring added 14, while Peter Obleng and Joel Lukoji Banza chipped in with 11 points each. 

But despite their efforts, the Blazers could not keep up with the Giants’ relentless scoring and superior physicality.

The 21-point margin told the story. Blazers struggled for rhythm offensively and failed to contain Johannesburg’s interior dominance, conceding second chance points and open looks from deep.

As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear,the Namuwongo Blazers’ journey at the LI16 had reached its end. 

A campaign that began with ambition and belief closed in disappointment, but with valuable lessons for a team still finding its footing on the continental stage.

For now, the Giants Just like Nairobi Thunder march out of Group E, and the Blazers return home with lessons for better preparation.

The South African side returns to the floor on Thursday November 20, against Nairobi City Thunder in a battle for the top spot in the group E