- Game One Result: Victoria Crocs 82-78 Rezlife Saints
The FUBA Division One Playoffs Final tipped off with a spectacular showdown at the Lugogo Indoor Arena where the Victoria Crocs held off the Rezlife Saints 82-78 in Game One.
The intense back-and-forth battle showcased both teams’ resilience and determination, making for a thrilling opener to what promises to be a closely contested series.
The game began with Rezlife Saints quickly gaining the upper hand, outscoring the Crocs 21-17 in the first quarter.
With a fiery start, the Saints appeared to be on track to take control of the game, but Victoria University showed its resolve.
The Crocs tightened their defence in the second quarter and made the necessary adjustments, charging back to claim a 37-34 lead at halftime. The shift in momentum set the stage for an electrifying second half.
As the teams returned from the locker rooms, the heat only intensified. Both sides exchanged baskets at an incredible pace, but the Crocs managed to edge out the Saints by two points, with the score standing at 63-61 heading into the final quarter.
The game had become a true test of endurance, with each team battling tooth and nail for every possession.
In the final stretch, the tension reached its peak. The Saints, eager to reclaim the lead, fought valiantly to close the gap.
However, the Victoria Crocs, led by an impressive performance from Joseph Kumbai Ayol, remained composed and outmuscled their opponents in the closing moments.
Ayol, who was a force on both ends of the court, finished with a double-double of 19 points and 18 rebounds playing a crucial role in his team’s success.
Despite a solid effort from the Saints, which saw Gideon Kasasa contribute 15 points and Richard Anyunva pull down 11 rebounds, the Crocs held on to their slim advantage.
The final score of 82-78 reflected the razor-thin margin by which Victoria University claimed victory.
The two teams will face off again on Friday, January 24, for Game Two at the same venue, and if this first encounter is any indication, fans can expect another fiercely contested matchup.
With both teams playing at a high level, the series is sure to provide more heart-stopping moments as the battle for the FUBA Division One championship continues.
Victoria University has a slight edge, but Rezlife Saints are more than capable of bouncing back.
The stakes are high, and the excitement is only just beginning.
