At last, the Kampala Rockets registered their first victory in the 2025 NBL season after defeating the UCU Canons 67-61 on Wednesday 26th at Lugogo.

The Rockets had their backs against the wall having lost their 2 opening fixtures and a win was very much needed.

For the UCU Canons, this was their first game of the season and they sought to get off to a winning start.

The first quarter was very low-scoring, with both teams combining for 17 points.

Despite improved offense from both teams, neither was gaining a significant lead.

The biggest lead in the second quarter was 4 points but at halftime time, UCU Canons led the game 25-23.

To start the third quarter, Kampala Rockets engaged a gear defensively and they forced 3 consecutive turnovers.

They also made a 6-0 run to take a 4-point lead but soon, UCU cane back to life.

Lwabaga Ibanda took over the game, scoring 11 points in the third quarter but it was Zachariah Ekirapa who stole the show with back-to-back triples, including a buzzer beater to close the quarter.

Kampala Rockets players made huge players in the fourth quarter.

Brian Opio with back-to-back 3-point shots to give them a bit of separation and Roxine Ahumuza with the final nail in the coffin.

Christian Ndibu also did a lot of work in the final 5 minutes of the quarter. He had 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists.

Coaches’and players reactions

Kampala Rockets coach Najja Daniel on what this victory meant for the team.

“We needed this win to boost our energy. The entire team was down over the weekend but thank God we got this win over a big team and we are looking forward to better performances in the upcoming games.”

“I felt like if UCU had stayed in a zone we would have struggled but when we went man to man, our big men came up huge and the conversion rate started going up.”

He also commented on what their big men need to do to impact the team and help them get wins.

“They just need to play basketball, we can’t ask for energy from them. They have to show it on court because they get more time than any other person on the court.”

UCU Canons Head Coach Nick Natuhereza commented about the game, what the result means, and the player rotation.

“We played good defense in the first half, but offensively, we were not there. In the second half, we picked up offensively but struggled on defense.”

“We have mostly young players and they need to get an opportunity to play. We are always looking to give many people an opportunity to play especially in the first half.”

“Sometimes its good to start with a loss because it opens your eyes a bit if you’re getting comfortable”

He also talked about the impact of Lwabaga Ibanda who finished with a game high 23 points.

“He’s our most experienced player and it’s good for people like him to get going and lead the way.”

Kampala Rockets Captain Dickson Asiku emphasized the need to keep becoming better as a team.

“We are very happy with the result, but we have a few things to work on and the more we play, the more we shall gel as a team.

People say we have the best frontcourt but it’s just on paper, we need to put it on court”

Brian Opio who scored back-to-back triples in clutch time was very delighted with the win and shared what the late baskets meant for him.

“Our backs were against the wall and all we had to do was believe in our craft, work together as a team and in the end, shots started to drop.”

“I was very excited because I’ve been trying to get going since the last 2 games. When those 2 shots went in back-to-back, it was a big relief and it brought me back into the game.”

Match Stats

Kampala Rockets

Christian Ndibu 12 pts, 22 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl

Roxine Ahumuza 12 pts, 4 ast, 1 stl

Kevin Kasobya 11 pts, 3 reb, 3 stl

Mpiya 11 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast

Brian Opio 11 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast

UCU Canons

Lwabaga Ibanda 23 pts, 6 reb, 2 stl, 1 ast

Ekirapa Zachariah 8 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast

Jimmy Otim 11 pts, 3 reb, 3 stl

Match Facts

Kampala Rockets had 5 players who scored double digits. That is the most by any team in a game this season.

Kampala Rockets have played the most games in the league so far.

They have a 1-2 record, and on 2nd April, they will face Sommet as they seek to secure back-to-back wins.

The UCU Canons played their first game of the season and will be back in action on Saturday 5th April as they take on Rezlife Saints at UCU Mukono.