The JT Jaguars snapped their 3 game winning streak with a 75-70 victory against Power on Wednesday night at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.

This was one of the most interesting and competitive games with the lead changing 12 times during the game.

The Jaguars were on top of their game in the first quarter and took a 6-point lead but Power engaged an even higher gear in the second quarter and took a 3-point lead heading into the halftime break.

Samad Imran was firing on all cylinders, scoring a record 18 points in the first half and he was the main source of offense for Power.

The third quarter was the lowest-scoring quarter of the night with a combined 28 points but Power took a 1-point lead into the final quarter.

The Jaguars wasted no time scoring 4 unanswered points to take the lead inside 30 seconds. Benjamin Shango went ahead to make 2 back to back 3 point shots to give the Jaguars a 7 point lead.

Power also had an 8-0 run in the next 1 minutes and they took a 1 point lead half way the quarter.

The Jaguars had another mini 7:0 run and Power started panicking with 2 minutes left.

Elvis Mutebi and Elvis Ssentongo all scored to bring Power to within 3 points but they never had another to complete the turnaround, they missed all their last 4 attempts of the game which could have brought it to within 1 or tied the game.

Talking points

It’s not a secret that Power has a very thin squad and this is affecting them. They registered 0 bench points and when the starters can’t perform there is no plan B. Samad Imran led the scoring at halftime with 18, but he only scored 3 in the second half. Perhaps he was tired as he didn’t get any rest, but Power needs to get some bodies on the bench to get the starters enough rest.

Despite being thin, the starting 5 have found a way to be very effective. Power passes the ball so brilliantly and they register very many assists. Afidra and Ameny have found a way to contribute offensively even when not putting points on the board.

Just like Power, JT Jaguars have as team and everyone contributes which makes them a dangerous side.

Match Stats

JT Jaguars

Benjamin Shango 14 pts, 11 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

Ian Lubwama 12 pts, 5 ast, 2 stl

Abraham Dut 11 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl

Were Mark 10 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast,

Power

Samad Imran 21 pts, 16 rebs, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk

Isaac Afidra 17 pts, 4 rebs, 8 ast

Elvis Ssentongo 14 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast, 4 stl

Philip Ameny 10 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast, 2 stl

Match Facts

Samad Imran made the record (men) for most points in a half this season with 18.

This is the second game that 8 players, 4 from each team have recorded double digit points.

For the first time this season, 4 players in a single team have played the entire 40 minutes of the game.

Power record 0 bench points.

The Jaguars now have a 4-3 record after snapping their 3 game losing streak.

Power has 2-3 record, breaking their 2 game winning streak.