National Basketball League Men
- Kampala Rockets 70-61 JKL Dolphins
Kampala Rockets emerged victorious in a tightly contested National Basketball League (NBL) showdown on Wednesday night, defeating the JKL Dolphins 70-61 at the YMCA Court in Wandegeya.
Despite a sluggish start, the Rockets overcame an early deficit to claim control of the game, led by an inspired performance from Brian Opio, who tallied a game-high 19 points.
The Dolphins edged the first quarter 17-15, but momentum shifted in the second quarter when Joseph Wacha’s driving layup sparked an offensive burst that gave the Rockets an eight-point lead heading into halftime.
The physicality of the match intensified after the break with two JKL players requiring medical attention due to bleeding injuries, a testament to the game’s fierce competitiveness.
Although the Dolphins fought to regain footing in the third quarter, the Rockets’ defense held firm, preserving their lead.
In the final period, Wilson Otwenyo’s long-range three-pointer offered a glimmer of hope for JKL, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. The Rockets responded with sharp execution on both ends of the floor, sealing a nine-point win.
Supporting Opio’s standout performance were Mpiya Juf with 14 points and Puati Ozias Kikomba who added 13.
For the Dolphins, Otwenyo was the only player to reach double digits, finishing with 10 points in a night that saw the team struggle to find offensive rhythm.
Rockets head coach Najja Juuko praised his team’s resilience while Dolphins coach Emma Oluka will look to reset after a bruising encounter.
The result marks a fourth win for the Kampala Rockets as they continue their push in the 2025 NBL season.
