The JT Jaguars roared their way to the 2024 National Basketball League after defeating Victoria University in a very hypertense game 3.

As their boss Dr. Jeff Teya said,

You cannot cheat success, hard work is part of the story”

The Jaguars toiled tooth and nail, on and off the floor, to make this dream a a reality.

It was an exchange of buckets in the first quarter but Victoria University had a 3 point lead.

The Jaguars closed the second quarter with a 10:4 run to tie the game heading into half time.

They then carried the momentum into the third quarter and started the with a 14:2 run, get a 12 point lead. Jaguars defense limited the crocs to just 9 points during the quarter.

The final 4 minutes was perhaps the most unnerving moments for the fans on either end.

Victoria University were playing with so much belief despite being 6 points down. On the flip side, the Jaguars seemed to just be hanging on, fighting as hard as they could to stay in the game.

With 1:10 left, the Jaguars, who had a 2 point lead made a turnover (5 second violation) on the inbound and Victoria had a chance to tie or take the lead.

Nyong Marrier made a very costly turnovers on their possession and the crocs weren’t able to capitalise. They however got another big opportunity in after Yesman made a travel violation and Victoria could tie or win it with 00:15 left.

Nyong Marrier once again made another turnover giving the possession back to the Jaguars and that turned out to be the final stroke. Marrier was seen crying after that turnover, a sign that he knew how much his mistakes had cost the team.

Match facts

Yesman Bushiri 13 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast

Ian Lubwama 11 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast

Kevin Moru 11 pts, 2 reb

George Agasi 8 pts, 17 reb, 1 ast

Ronald Ayume 14 pts, 9 reb, 1 ast

Nyong Marrier 11 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast

The Jaguars will go head to head with Livingstone in the Finals but, for both teams, the first assignment has been completed and winning the championship will be a bonus.