The Kampala Rockets defeated the JT Jaguars 70-52 on Wednesday 18th February at ABJA Park to secure their first victory of the 2026 NBL season.

After a horrid start to the season with 3 losses in 3 games played, the Rockets needed to turn their season a round. However, it was not going to be an easy task given that they were up against the JT Jaguars who had yet to lose a game.

In the first quarter, Kampala Rockets scored 4 3-point shots and led the game 19-14. For the JT Jaguars, Were Mark was the main source of offense. He scored the first 10 points of the game for the JT Jaguars and was on fire.

The major difference in this game was in the second period. It is safe to say that the outcome was determined here. The Jaguars were limited to just 7 points while the Kampala Rockets scored 17 points to lead the game 36-21 at halftime.

JT Jaguars was very poor offensively as they managed to score just 3 of their 20 field goal attempts in the quarter. On the contrary, Kampala Rockets managed to sink 7 of their 17 field goal attempts.

The Jaguars cut the deficit to 6 points but in the final 5 minutes of the third quarter, the Rockets outscored them 11-5 to take a 14-point into the final quarter.

A JT Jaguars comeback was going to be very difficult. To make matters worse, the Rockets got hot from distance and buried 4 3-point shots in the quarter to win the game 70-52.

Kampala Rockets

Christian Ndibu 13 pts, 17 reb, 3 ast

Toussaint Mampuya 16 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast

Brian Opio 13 pts

Puati Ozias Kikomba 11 pts, 16 reb, 4 ast

JT Jaguars

Were Mark 24 pts, 9 reb, 3 ast

Chuol Dut Abraham 11 pts

Facts

Christian Ndibu has registered 10+ rebounds in all the 4 games this season.

He is also the first player to reach 50+ rebounds this season.

The JT Jaguars registered their first defeat and now have a 2-1 record. They will return to action on March 6th against the Namuwongo Blazers.

The Kampala Rockets tasted victory for the first time this season and have a 1-3 record. They will face the UCU Canons next on Wednesday 25th at the Jaguars Den in Kira.