“We are ready for anyone who comes our way.”
That was Sarah Ageno’s final word, calm but firm, after leading JT Lady Jaguars to a hard earned 74-70 victory over UCU Lady Canons at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday, completing a league double over their rivals.
The win, in the National Basketball League regular season second round opener, did not come easy.
UCU started stronger, edging the first quarter 20-19 and extending their control into halftime with a 38-32 lead. Their pace and early execution kept JT under pressure.
But JT stayed close, refusing to let the game slip away.
By the end of the third quarter, the gap had been cut to 50-47, setting up a tense final stretch.
The turning point came in the fourth quarter, where JT switched gears defensively. A full-court press disrupted UCU’s rhythm, forced errors, and opened the door for a comeback that sealed the four-point win.
Mercy Batamuliza led JT with 17 points, while Priscillar Nambogo added 12. For UCU, Matrina Anyango stood out with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double.
After the game, Ageno praised both the win and the quality of the opposition. “Having two wins against UCU is really good, but we don’t take them for granted. They are a very good team. Anything can happen,” she said.
She admitted JT were unsettled early on. “For starters, we were a bit worried because their offense was really on. We had to step up our defense.”
The difference, she said, came down to attitude and adjustment after the break. “It was about stepping up defensively. The offense was there, but it was pride and maturity.”
Even after beating UCU twice this season, Ageno refused to call it an advantage. “I cannot say it’s an advantage. We still have to work more for them.”
With the season still in its early stages, she kept expectations grounded. “The second round has just started. It’s too early to position ourselves anywhere.”
Still, the wins carry belief. “It gives me confidence because UCU is a very good team. My teammates are excited too.”
And when asked about possibly meeting them again, her answer was simple. “We are ready for anyone.”
