The JT Jaguars registered their fifth win of the season after defeating the Kampala Rockets 70-54 on Friday 18th.

The Jaguars dominated the first half, leading the game 40:18.

This early lead helped them seal the victory despite attempts of a comeback by the Kampala Rockets.

The JT Jaguars came into this game on the back of a huge 43-point victory against the KIU Titans.

For Kampala Rockets, had just experienced a humiliating defeat against the Namuwongo Blazers in a game where they scored just 41 points and this was a chance to redeem themselves.

This wasn’t the case in the first half, as they looked horrible offensively.

The Rockets scored just 7 points in the first quarter with 0 field goals in the final 5 minutes.

They looked to be forcing some of their attempts in the paint and with how well the Jaguars’ defense had set up, the Rockets could barely find the basket.

The first quarter ended 21-7 and the scoring efficiency of the Jaguars was the standout thing.

They scored 9/15, 60% FG, and there was a phase where they scored on 6 consecutive possessions.

Once again, finding the basket was hard for the Rockets in the second quarter.

They scored just 3 field goals and having put JT in early foul trouble, they managed to score 5 of 8 free throws.

The Jaguars didn’t slow down in the second quarter and they managed to build a 22-point lead at halftime.

Kampala Rockets came out strong in the third quarter.

They opened the quarter with a 10-2 run and closed it with a 9-0 run to make it a 13-point game with the final quarter to play.

All the attempts around the rim that had failed to go in started to drop and Mpiya Juf turned up with 10 points in the quarter.

The Rockets brought the game to 9 points in the fourth but they made 2 very costly turnovers in clutch time for which they were punished.

Ian Lubwama also became a problem in the fourth quarter.

He made 3 big baskets, attacking the rim and finishing with ease, and this kept the Jaguars’ double-digit lead.

The Jaguars managed to seal the victory 70-54, but it wasn’t as comfortable as it was supposed to be, given that first-half performance.

Match Stats

JT Jaguars

Peter Sifuma 22 pts, 14 reb

Ian Duncan Lubwama 12 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl

Fadhili Chuma 8 pts, 10 reb,

Kampala Rockets

Mpiya Juf 15 pts, 6 reb, 3 stl

Joseph Wacha 10 pts, 3 reb, 3 stl

Christian Ndibu 8 pts, 11 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl

The JT Jaguars have improved their record to 5-2 and are comfortably in the top 4.

They face the KCCA Panthers next on Friday 25th at Lugogo.

Kampala Rockets have once again lost back-to-back games and they now have a losing record, 3-4.

They will return to action on Wednesday 30th as they face the JKL Dolphins at YMCA.