Patriot overturned an 11-point first-quarter deficit to beat COSPN 29-27 at Hoima City Arena, with Jackson Makoi’s go-ahead 3-pointer proving decisive. The South Sudanese side did not trail again after the shot and finished the game with a 23-point contribution from Makoi.
COSPN led 13-2 midway through the opening quarter before Patriot tightened their defence and began taking control through the middle quarters. An 11-0 run, completed by Ater Majok’s dunk, moved Patriot ahead 27-25.
Ikenna Okeke responded with a driving lay-up and a foul shot to put COSPN back in front, but Makoi’s 3-pointer then restored Patriot’s advantage. Okeke ended the game with a game-high 23 points, his third match with at least 20 points. The 2022 BAL MVP Michael Dixon, despite a relatively poor shooting night, managed the contest effectively by balancing transition and half-court sets.
Patriot coach Ajou Deng will have valued his side’s late execution after they struggled in their previous game against Urunani. Their next test comes against Namuwongo Blazers in Saturday’s final match, with an Elite 16 place at stake. COSPN, also without a win, face Ushindzi on Saturday in search of their first victory of the tournament.
