NBL Playoffs: UCU Lady Canons Advance to Semis

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

UCU Lady Canons advanced to the semifinals of the ongoing National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs after completing a sweep over KIU Rangers at Lugogo on Sunday.

The Lady Canons showed grit and resilience, rallying from a double-digit halftime deficit to secure the decisive Game Two victory.

Having taken Game One 68-57, UCU endured a sluggish start in the second encounter, trailing 18-28 at the break.

However, coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s side responded strongly in the second half, overturning the deficit with a 19-7 third-quarter run to lead 37-35. They kept their foot on the gas in the final stretch, outscoring the Rangers 20-17 to seal the win and the series.

Two players stood out with double-doubles for UCU — Shilla Lamunu recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds while Matrina Anyango contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds. Sylvia Nakituuka also chipped in with 11 points to boost the Canons.

For the Rangers, Sharon Kirabo and Elizabeth Agutu scored 15 points apiece, but their efforts were not enough to save their season, which ends at the quarterfinal stage.

The Lady Canons will now face JKL Lady Dolphins in the semifinals, a highly anticipated clash that reignites last season’s rivalry. JKL defeated UCU 4-2 in the 2024 Finals, and the Mukono-based side will be keen on revenge this time around.