Most people never gave the JT Lady Jaguars a chance coming into this game but the resilience they showed is very commendable. 

To the surprise of many, JT Lady Jaguars led the first half 27:25 but signs were evident that things would soon change.

Sudi Ulanga’s decision to have 2 bigs (Sarah Ageno, Annet Among and Mercy Batamuliza in rotation) on the floor seemed to have paid off handsomely as the Jaguars out rebounded the Lady Canons 35:24 at half time.

The JT Lady Jaguars seemed to run out of gas in the third quarter scoring just 3 Field Goals while the Lady Canons gained the momentum and took the lead 2 minutes into the quarter.

The JT Lady Jaguars had 0 points for about 6 minutes during the third quarter and it was very evident that team couldn’t produce offensively anymore.

The fourth quarter for the Lady Jaguars was more like the third. They had more turnovers (6) than Field Goals (3) and that pretty much summed up their second half.

The UCU Lady Canons who had dominated in the third quarter seemed to have lost their touch in the fourth quarter scoring just 6 points but the points cushion attained in the third quarter was just enough for them to secure the win.

Talking points

The Lady Jaguars coach hasn’t trusted his bench. Despite being only 10 players on the team sheet, only 7 played. Ruth Tushemerirwe, Priscilla Nambogo and Rhoda Nagitta did not step on the floor despite Maimuna Nabbosa (4), Brenda Kayaga (6),  Sandra Ayikoru (3) all not firing offensively.

Both teams were very inefficient and thus the low scoring game. The Lady Jaguars were 13/74, 17% and that is a very big problem for a very thin squad like that of the Lady Jaguars. Since their bench is small, they heavily depend on the starters to perform.

The UCU Lady Canons were out rebounded by 27 and that is a very big concern. Their efficiency from the field was also very low 18/63, 28% and one can argue that on any other given day, this could have been a heavy defeat for them.

Match stats

JT Lady Jaguars

Mercy Batamuliza 10 pts, 24 rebs

Sarah Ageno 6 pts, 15 reb, 2 ast, 5 stl, 1 blk

Ruth Letaru 9 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl

UCU Lady Canons

Aziida Nabayunga 15 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl

Sylivia Nantongo 10 pts, 4 reb, 5/6, 83% FG

Bridget Aber 8 pts, 9 reb, 3 stl, 1 ast , 1 blk

Match facts

Mercy Batamuliza made a record 16 rebounds in the first half, that is the most by any player this season.

She also finished with 24 rebounds, the most by any player in the NBL this season.