The KCCA Panthers registered their 3rd defeat of the season after blowing a 10-point lead in clutch time to lose 65-63.

With 3 minutes left in the game, the KCCA Panthers led the game 63-53 and for many, it was a done deal.

However, the Kampala Rockets were still fighting and made a couple of baskets to make it a 6-point game with less than 2 minutes left.

Mpiya Juf got fouled on as the shot clock expired and he made both free throws to make it a 4-point game with 1:37 left.

The biggest moment that changed the game happened shortly after.

Emmanuel Odongkara had an opportunity to close the game for the Panthers, but he missed a big layup with a lot of time left on the shot clock and Brian Opio torched them with a 3-pointer shortly after.

After a timeout, the Panthers were unable to get off a shot and ended up with a 24-second violation.

Puati Ozias was fouled and he made both free throws to give the Rockets a 1-point lead with under 30 seconds to go.

After another KCCA Panthers timeout, they were unable to get off a shot and made a turnover.

The Rockets managed to seal the victory 65-63.

The KCCA Panthers led 17-14 after the first and they were playing really well.

Ahead of halftime, the Panthers still led the game 35-33.

However, the Kampala Rockets were in the game and they never let the Panthers gain a significant advantage.

Kampala Rockets scored just 2 points in the final 5 minutes of the third quarter and KCCA developed a 9-point lead.

At this point, many thought they had done enough to see out the win but the fourth quarter brought some drama, more son towards the end.

Match Stats

Kampala Rockets

Mpiya Juf 16 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast

Brian Opio 15 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast

Edward Mugabo 18 pts, 3 reb

KCCA Panthers

Davis Asiimwe 22 pts, 3 reb

Ivan Lumanyika 6 pts, 12 reb, 3 ast

The KCCA Panthers have now lost 3 games, but are on course to finishing in the top 3 after the first round.

They take on the KIU Titans on Sunday 11th in their final game of the first round.

The Kampala Rockets have had an up-and-down season but with victory, they now have a 6-4 record and can also finish in the top 4.

They face the City Oilers next on Sunday the 11th and if they can secure the result, they will most likely be a number 4 of 5 seed to close the first round.