KIU Titans edged Watoto 64-59 at YMCA on Wednesday to take Game One of the 2026 FUBA Division One men's final. The Titans held on in a tight contest to lead the best-of-five series 1-0.
Daniel Odokonyero led KIU with 18 points, five steals, four assists and four rebounds. Yesman Bushiri added 16 points and four rebounds off the bench, while Chieng Garang contributed 10 points, 16 rebounds and three steals.
Watoto fought back after trailing early, with Elijah Nsereko scoring a buzzer-beater to give them a 33-31 halftime lead. But KIU responded in the third quarter, limiting Watoto to two field goals in the opening six minutes.
Richard Mutuwulu hit a crucial 3-pointer late, but Nsereko answered immediately to keep Watoto alive. KIU sealed the win with late turnovers turned into points, holding on for the 64-59 victory.
Nsereko led Watoto with 14 points. Sydney David Walusimbi added 13 points, 18 rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Victor Makmot contributed nine points and 10 rebounds.
KIU will return to YMCA on Friday for Game Two, aiming to extend their lead. Watoto will need to improve their closing minutes if they are to level the series.
In the women's final, Kampala University Ladies beat Seeta High 48-43 to take a 1-0 lead. Rose Musundi led with 10 points, 11 rebounds and nine steals, while Mary Asio Divota scored 10 points with six rebounds and two assists. Victoria Nalwanga added nine points and 10 rebounds.
Seeta High led 13-12 after the first quarter, but Kampala University pulled away in the second half to secure the opener. Game Two follows on Friday.
- Men's final: KIU Titans 64-59 Watoto
- Women's final: Kampala University Ladies 48-43 Seeta High
- Series lead: KIU 1-0, Kampala University 1-0
- Next: Game Two at YMCA on Friday, October 17
The talking point in Kampala basketball circles is whether KIU's bench depth will carry them through a long series, or whether Watoto's late-game resilience can turn the tide in Game Two.
Source: Kawowo Sports
