The Magic Stormers and the JT Lady Jaguars will open the Women’s 2025 NBL Semi-finals on Wednesday 1st October at YMCA.

Very many people were surprised when the Stormers eliminated the KCCA Leopards after a 2-1 victory.

What was most surprising was the fact that they lost game one but came back to win games 2 and 3.

Should this be a surprise though?

Well, in the eyes of many, the Magic Stormers are not as strong as KCCA, JKL, UCU, JT Lady Jaguars or even Miracle Eaglets.

However, their coach, John Omondi has made his name as one of the most defensive minded coaches in the league.

He has shown time and time again that he can be able to use what he has to stop or limit his opposition’s offense.

That is the difference for the Magic Stormers and it worked very well in games 2 and 3.

The Stormers outscored the Leopards 53-23 in the second half of game 2 when they adjusted their defense and limited them to 49 points in game 3.

Offensively, Joy Nekesa Mupalia helped them when it came to collecting offensive rebounds and getting second chance points.

Angela Auma scored big 3-point shots while Daphine Adong helped a lot in transition.

When you look at the JT Lady Jaguars, they finished as the number 3 seed and had a spectacular regular season.

They have had a number of players step up in different games and this has been a recipe for their success this season.

In this semifinal series, they have to rely on a couple of players heavily.

Shakirah Nanvubya is one of those who signing brought a lot of hype and this was a statement on the intentionality of the Jaguars to go all the way.

She did not have a good regular season but that will not matter.

It is said that big players come out when the lights are brightest and this will be her chance to prove herself.

In game 2 against the Miracle Eaglets, she finished with 26 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

Those are the kinds of performances you expect from her is the Lady Jaguars are to make this series and easy one for them.

Mercy Batamuliza also had a big performance in game 2 as she registered a big double-double, 14 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 steals.

In gane one, she had 13 rebounds and 8 steals.

This is another key piece that will be integral for the Jaguars but she has to consistently be an option on offense.

Difference in the teams

At this point in time, we have no idea who is available and how fit they are but all that shall be exposed in game 1.

Game one will give us a picture of how the 2 teams intend to set up.

Winning game one will be very crucial for either team as this will go a long way in determining the eventual winner of the series.

Some big questions to be answered in this game will be,

Can the JT Lady Jaguars crack the Magic Stormers defense?

Secondly, which players will step up to steer their team to victory?