Namuwongo Blazers started their Elite 16 Division East journey with a disappointing 89-62 defeat at the hands of Nairobi City Thunder Tuesday evening in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Ugandan champions, despite getting out of the blocks early, struggled to get going on offense in the second half and ended up falling short.
New addition Jovan Mooring had the hot hand early in the game and had the Blazers leading 11-05 to force the host team into a timeout.
Jaycson Bereal Jr. and Jimmy Enabu also played a big role as the Blazers ended the first quarter with a two-point advantage (25-23).
The hosts, however, regrouped and got into rhythm in the second quarter, with Tylor Ongwae and Albert Odero leading the charge on offense.
Going into the halftime break, Thunder had their noses in front with a three-point advantage (43-40) and there was no turning back.
Stephen Nyeko’s charges were limited to 11 points in both the third and fourth frame while Thunder rode on the home crowd to conduct a scoring clinic.
With a 46-22 second half run, Thunder settled the contest to go top of Group A and leave the Blazers with work to do in their second game scheduled for Wednesday.
Lance Thomas led the Thunder with 18 points and five rebounds while Odero added 16 points and six rebounds.
Derrick Ogenchi scored 14 points while Ongwae recorded 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
For the Blazers, Mooring scored a team-high 15 points while James Okello came off the bench to register 11 points and nine rebounds.
The two were the only Blazers players to score in double figures for the Ugandan side. Enabu and Tonny Drileba had nine points each.
Up next for the Blazers is a clash with Johannesburg Giants in what is now a must-win affair.
The South African side, who ended their debut group phase campaign with a perfect 5-0 record, are among the favourites to book one of the two available BAL slots.
The seven teams competing in Nairobi are split into two groups of three and four, with the top two in each group advancing to the semi-finals.
Winners of the two semifinal clashes will then qualify for the 2026 Basketball Africa League season.
Elite 16 Division East
Tuesday results
Ferroviario Beira 78-66 Brave Hearts
Dar City 85-78 Matero Magic
Nam Blazers 62-89 Nairobi City Thunder