YMCA Hamstars, Berkley Reloaded lead charge into Division One semis

The battle for elite status reached a fever pitch on Sunday, September 27, 2026, as the FUBA Division One Playoffs quarterfinals took center stage at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo.

With the ultimate prize being coveted spots in the 2027 National Basketball League (NBL), the hardwood played host to heart-stopping finishes and resilient comebacks that have officially locked in the final four contenders.

Men’s Division One

The men’s bracket delivered edge-of-the-seat entertainment, highlighted by the 8th-seeded YMCA Hamstars’ epic survival story. In a gruelling contest that demanded double overtime against Ihoops, the Hamstars dug deep to secure a 92-90 victory, sealing a hard-fought 2-1 series triumph to advance to the semifinals.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Division Champions, Berkley Reloaded, completed a gritty comeback to edge the Nkumba Marines 80-72, taking the series 2-1. Berkley’s success was fueled by a dominant inside-outside punch: Emmanuel Opio hammered home a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, perfectly complemented by Richard Anyunva, who poured in 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

In other men’s action, Watoto Men Basketball Club punched their ticket past the Entebbe Knight Riders with a solid 53-42 win. Watoto’s charge was led by double-digit scoring from Victor Makmot (10 points) and Fortunate Kamugisha (13 points).

Women’s Division One

The women’s quarterfinals mirrored the intensity of the men’s side with tightly contested battles. MUK Sparks punched their semifinal ticket by edging St. Cyprian 56-52 in a decisive Game 3 thriller, securing a 2-1 series edge.

Joining them are the Junior Lady Jaguars, who survived a low-scoring, nervy contest against MUBS Lady Jills 46-42. Maria Bikufa put on a shooting masterclass, leading all scorers with 16 points to secure the 2-1 series victory for the Junior Lady Jaguars.

Division Two

The battle to break into Division One produced equally captivating basketball as teams fought tooth and nail for promotion glory. Powered by a brilliant performance from Mading Ring Deng, who posted 20 points and 11 rebounds alongside Austin Abaho’s 27 points and 8 rebounds, the Governors edged the Makindye Shooters 77-73. Despite a spirited Makindye comeback in Game 2 and monster double-doubles from Daniel Arop (22 points, 13 rebounds) and Steven Okot (10 points, 14 rebounds), the Governors stood their ground to take the series 2-1.

Elsewhere, Metha Phenoms soared past St. Cyprian 87-64, effectively denying St. Cyprian back-to-back league promotions. The victory was anchored by Joseph Echabu’s game-high 33 points and Ddamulira Muguluma’s stellar double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds, clinching the series 2-1 for the Phenoms.

Rounding out the promotion race, Kampala University Eagles cruised past the former NBL side Ndejje Angels with a comfortable 72-53 scoreline. The Eagles were spearheaded by Emmanuel Odong, who delivered an outstanding, monster double-double of 22 points and 20 rebounds to seal the 2-1 series victory.

Div 1&2 Semifinalists

Division One

Women

• MUK Sparks
• Junior Lady Jaguars
• Seeta High
• Kampala University

Men

• KIU Titans
• YMCA Hamstars
• Watoto Men Basketball Club
• Berkely Reloaded

**Divison Two **

Men

• Governors
• Emperors
• Metha Phenoms
• Kampala University Eagles

The post YMCA Hamstars, Berkley Reloaded lead charge into Division One semis appeared first on Kawowo Sports.