- KCCA Leopards 63 – 61 UCU Lady Canons
In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer, KCCA Leopards narrowly escaped with a hard-fought 63-61 victory over an inexperienced but spirited UCU Lady Canons side in the National Basketball League clash at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday night.
The Leopards, under Coach Roger Serunyigo, were made to work every inch of the court by the youthful Lady Canons who displayed fearless grit despite falling just short.
The narrow win was a relief for KCCA, especially in front of their Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, who joined jubilant celebrations on the bench moments after the final whistle.
It was a game of momentum swings with UCU taking the early edge. Hajara Najjuko’s precision from mid-range helped the Lady Canons secure a slim 13-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.
However, KCCA suffered an early blow when Tracy Namugosa was forced off the court due to injury, disrupting their initial game plan.
Despite the setback, the Leopards kept their composure thanks to the inspired performance of Perus Nyamwenge.
The shooting guard sank a crucial three-pointer just before halftime to tie the game at 31-all, eventually finishing with a game-high 22 points and leading her team’s offensive efforts.
After the break, Coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s Lady Canons showed maturity beyond their years, tightening their defensive structure and creating a three-point buffer heading into the final quarter.
Shillah Lamunu led their scoring with 13 points, supported by Najjuko’s 10 as the duo provided much-needed stability on both ends of the court.
But in the high-pressure final minutes, KCCA’s experience showed. Asinah Kabendela added 10 points to bolster Nyamwenge’s efforts, helping the Leopards claw their way back into the lead.
A series of composed possessions and defensive stands allowed them to shut down UCU’s final surge, holding on for a narrow two-point victory.
While the Leopards celebrated a vital win, the young Lady Canons left the court with heads held high, an inexperienced side that showcased heart, talent and the promise of a formidable future.
