Towering Nairobi City Thunder thumb Blazers to tip-off Elite 16 Road to BAL on a high

Kenya's Nairobi City Thunder produced a commanding performance to overpower Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers 89–62 in a Road to BAL Elite 16 clash at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Tuesday.

The Kenyan side controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing depth, physicality, and flawless execution on both ends of the court.

Thunder started with high intensity, pushing the pace and punishing Blazers’ defensive lapses. Lance Thomas was hot from the perimeter, drilling three triples to energize the home crowd on his way to a team-high 18 points.

Derrick Ogechi added instant offense with tough baskets in transition, while Tylor Ongwae provided veteran stability, keeping Thunder’s offense patient and precise.

Blazers leaned on Tonny Drileba and Jovan Mooring to keep close, but Thunder’s defensive pressure forced rushed shots and turnovers. The first quarter ended with Thunder ahead 22–14.

The second quarter belonged to Thunder’s forwards. Albert Odero bullied his way inside for 16 points, finishing through contact and controlling second-chance opportunities.

Alongside him, Eugene Adera dominated the glass with 10 rebounds while shooting 75% from the field, anchoring Thunder's interior presence.

Blazers struggled with efficiency as Anthony Chukwurah (1/9 FG) and Lavoughn Bereal Jr (2/10 FG) failed to convert open looks. Only James Okello’s effort on the boards kept them competitive. Thunder entered halftime leading 43–40.

Ater Majok controlled the paint defensively — contesting shots, altering drives, and pulling down 11 rebounds. His presence forced Blazers into uncomfortable floaters and late-clock jumpers.

Meanwhile, Chase Adams ran the offense with maturity, finishing with a team-high 7 assists despite a tough shooting night. His playmaking helped Thunder stretch the lead to 67–51 heading into the final period.

With momentum firmly in their hands, Thunder turned the final quarter into a showcase.

Ongwae and Majok delivered back-to-back dunks, Ogechi hit a corner three, and Thunder’s bench added quality minutes — including a deep shot from Faheem Juma and hustle plays from Bramel Mwombe and Okall Koranga.

Blazers’ late push came from Jimmy Enabu, who scored 9 points in under eight minutes, but it was far too late to threaten Thunder’s lead.

Thunder closed out an emphatic 89–62 victory, sending a strong message to the rest of the Elite 16 field.

Earlier in the day, the Kasarani crowd witnessed another thrilling showdown as Dar City Basketball Team overcame Matero Magic 85-78 in a physical and fast-paced encounter. Dar City started strongly, applying tight defensive pressure and moving the ball with purpose on offense. Matero tried to match the pace through their experienced guards, but Dar City's superior transition play and aggressive drives to the rim kept them chasing.

In the second half, Dar City’s discipline made the difference. Their dominance on the boards prevented Matero from getting second-chance points, while their wings punished defensive lapses with timely shooting. Matero mounted a late fourth-quarter push, but Dar City’s composure in the closing minutes—particularly their shot selection and defensive rotations—secured the win and kept their BAL dream alive.

Top Performers

Nairobi City Thunder

Lance Thomas – 18 points, 5 rebounds

Albert Odero – 16 points, 6 rebounds

Derrick Ogechi – 14 points, 4 rebounds

Tylor Ongwae – 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists

Ater Majok – 8 points, 11 rebounds

Eugene Adera – 7 points, 10 rebounds

Chase Adams – 7 assists, 6 rebounds

Namuwongo Blazers

Jovan Mooring – 15 points, 4 assists

James Okello – 11 points, 9 rebounds

Tonny Drileba – 9 points, 4 rebounds

Jimmy Enabu – 9 points

Lavoughn Bereal Jr – 8 points, 5 rebounds