Lady Jaguars and Lady Canons dominate NBL semifinal openers with commanding wins

National Basketball League playoffs 

Wednesday 1st ( Game one )

Margic Stommers 37 Lady Jaguars 63

Lady Dolphins 46 Lady Canons 57

Friday 3rd ( YMCA ) Game two 

Lady Jaguars v Margic Stommers 7pm

Lady Canons v Lady Dolphins 9pm

The JT Lady Jaguars got off to a flying start in the National Basketball League semifinal best-of-five series after beating Magic Stormers 63-37 at YMCA Court, Wandegeya on Wednesday 1st. 

Forward Mercy Batamuliza posted an impressive double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds, 10 of which came on the offensive glass. Shakira Nanvubya was equally outstanding, contributing 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, giving the Jaguars a strong two-way presence. Brenda Kayaga also hit 11 points.

“We managed to control all quarters, we improved on our defense and offense,” said Batamuliza. 

“Our focus is now on game two which we need to win to make it a 2-0 lead. We should improve on defense and maybe shooting too."

The Jaguars started strongly, with Kayaga sinking a 3-pointer from the corner before the team went on a 10-0 run. They ended the first quarter leading 20-8, limiting the Magic to just one basket until the final two minutes of the period when Daphine Adong finally broke through.

By halftime, the Jaguars had extended their lead to 19 points. Coach Sudi Ulanga’s side moved the ball swiftly, breaking down the Stormers’ zonal defense with sharp passing and disciplined spacing. The Stormers looked overwhelmed and struggled to find offensive rhythm.

The third quarter saw a scare when Jaguars forward Sarah Ageno fell awkwardly on her wrist after going for an offensive rebound. She had played nearly 20 minutes and scored 4 points before leaving in pain. Team medic Musawo Hellen later confirmed she was out of danger.

The Magic Stormers were limited to only eight points in the third quarter, trailing by 23 heading into the final stretch. Despite Aja Kur’s 12 points and a combined 12 from Adong and Christine Nakito, the Stormers’ 22 turnovers proved costly, gifting the Jaguars 18 points.

By the fourth quarter, the Stormers looked completely deflated. They missed open shots, showed sluggish defence, and could not keep up with the Lady Jaguars, who closed out the game comfortably.

In the other semifinal, UCU Lady Canons defeated JKL Lady Dolphins 57-46 at YMCA Court. Forward Shillah Lamunu was the star, registering 18 points and 12 rebounds in a dominant double-double display.

Lamunu not only scored efficiently but also controlled the boards, directed traffic, and drove past defenders with confidence. 

“We played strong defense, secured rebounds, and moved the ball well,” Lamunu said. 

Hajara added 10 points as UCU shared the scoring load.

The Lady Canons’ defense proved the difference as they limited the Dolphins to 46 points, holding them to poor shooting percentages inside and outside the paint.

 Hope Akello was the only Dolphin to score in double digits, finishing with 11 points.

With the win, UCU Lady Canons take a 1-0 lead in the semifinal best-of-five series, just like the Lady Jaguars. 

Both sides will return to action in game two at the same venue on Friday, October 3, 2025.