Sommet Eliminate KCCA Panthers to Seal Historic Semifinal Spot

Sunday, September 7
*KCCA Leopards 67-65 Magic Stormers (1-0)
*UPDF Lady Tomahawks 56-77 JKL Lady Dolphins
*KIU Rangers 52-57 UCU Lady Canons
*KCCA Panthers 58-75 Sommet

Sommet advanced to the semifinals of the National Basketball League (NBL) Playoffs on their first attempt after eliminating KCCA Panthers in straight games.

The newcomers, in their debut top-flight season, completed a 2-0 series sweep with a commanding 75-58 victory on Sunday at Lugogo.

Sommet set the tone early, leading 19-13 after the first quarter and never relinquishing control in an energetic display that also saw them dominate the boards 55-48.

Nyembo Fataki posted 15 points and 12 rebounds, while John Focus Teko added 15 points and 10 rebounds as both players registered double-doubles. Kasereka Tembo chipped in with 11 points in the win.

For KCCA Panthers, Davis Assiimwe (18 points) and Caesar Kizito (15 points) provided the bulk of the scoring, but it wasn’t enough to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Panthers had already lost game one 74-64 on Friday, leaving them with no margin for error heading into Sunday’s clash.

Guided by coach Albert Aciko, Sommet now await the winner between defending champions City Oilers and JT Jaguars in the best-of-five semifinal series.

In the other bracket, Nam Blazers lead their three-game quarterfinal series 1-0 against Rezlife Saints while Kampapa Rockets also edged UCU Canons to take game one.