Makerere Sparks finished third in the 2025 FUBA Division One Season after defeating Kampala University 46-44 in the third place game.

The Sparks came into this game having lost 3-1 to Victoria She Crocs in the semi-finals.

Kampala University on the other hand had lost 3-0 to Pearl Queens.

This game was very important for both teams and they each wanted that podium finish.

To start the game, Makerere Sparks had the edge and led 13-7 after the first quarter.

They defended very well and forced  Kampala University into 9 turnovers in the first period alone.

The second quarter was very low scoring with a combined 16 points scored.

At the halftime break, Makerere led 20-16 and looked in control for most of the game.

With 6 minutes left in the game, Makerere Sparks led by 11 points and one could say they were close to victory.

However drama unfolded in the remainder of the game.

Kampala University made a 13-1 run to take a 1-point lead with 2 minutes to play

Victoria Nalwanga pulled up for the huge three that gave them the lead.

Mercy Ageno responded instantly, scoring the layup to give the lead back to Makerere.

With under a minute to go, Kampala University got a fast break and Pennita Nabakooza leveled the game.

Makerere had chance to retake the lead but Mary Deng missed 2 free throws.

Kampala University got an opportunity of their own, Pennita launched a three but it did not drop.

Mercy Ageno got the rebound and went coast to coast. She was fouled and had the chance to give Makerere the lead.

Ageno made no mistake, buried the 2 free throws and Makerere won 46-44.

Player Stats

Makerere Sparks

Mercy Ageno 13 pts, 19 reb, 6 stl, 1 blk

Faridah Nakyanzi 8 pts, 15 reb, 3 ast, 5 stl

Kampala University

Pennita Nabakooza 12 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast

Victoria Nalwanga 12 pts, 11 reb, 5 stl

Robinah Ageno 9 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 4 blk

Facts

This is the first time that Makerere has finished on a podium place since 2018.