- National Basketball League (Men)
- KCCA Panthers 73-69 UCU Canons
The Lugogo Ondoor Arena was buzzing with a moderately energetic crowd on a late Friday night as KCCA Panthers held their nerve to edge the resilient UCU Canons 73-69 in a thrilling National Basketball League (NBL) clash.
With just four points separating the two sides at the final buzzer, it was a game of shifting momentum, clutch performances and explosive plays under pressure.
The Panthers came out of the gates fast, dominating the first quarter 18-9 and setting the tone for what looked like an early runaway. But the Canons were not to be swept aside easily.
Led by their relentless guard Jimmy B. Otim, UCU rallied in the second quarter with a 24-point haul that flipped the energy of the game, tying the match at halftime and giving their fans hope of a major win.
In the third quarter, both teams went basket for basket in a high-octane 24–23 exchange slightly edged by the Panthers. But it was in the final ten minutes that the difference was made. KCCA’s composure shone through, outscoring UCU 21-13 in the fourth to seal a dramatic win.
Man of the Match for the Panthers was undoubtedly Stanley Mugerwa, whose leadership on both ends of the floor was key after painting the board with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds alongside Emmanuel Odong who also raised a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds.
For the UCU Canons, Jimmy Otim and Lwanaga Ibanda who were the standout performers, managing 14 and 15 points respectively.
