By Michael Ainomugisha
UCU Lady Canons’ fairytale run in the 2025 National Basketball League Playoffs came to a heartbreaking end after falling 59–52 to defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins in Game Five of the semi-finals on Wednesday, 15 October, at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s side entered the decisive clash full of belief after forcing a Game Five with a resilient 65–50 win on Friday night, but despite a spirited showing, their dream of returning to the finals slipped away in the final minutes.
UCU started brightly, matching JKL’s physicality and keeping within reach throughout the first half. After a slow opening period (15–11), the Lady Canons regrouped and executed their inside plays effectively in the second quarter. Their improved ball movement and defensive discipline limited JKL to just one field goal, allowing UCU to take a narrow 25–23 lead into halftime.
From the restart, UCU continued to fight, trading baskets with the Dolphins as both teams tightened up defensively.
However, the Lady Canons’ struggles from beyond the arc began to show. They missed several open three-point shots that could have widened their lead, while JKL punished them on the other end through quick inside plays.
By the end of the third quarter, the Canons trailed by only two points (43–41), and the game remained wide open. But in the final period, JKL made a 10–0 run that shifted momentum. Despite late pushes led by Slyvia Nakituuka, Matrina Anyango, Shillah Lamunu, and Sylvia Nantongo, the Lady Canons could not close the gap, missing crucial free throws and long-range shots as the Dolphins closed out the contest.
Sylivia Nakituuka (17 points) and Matrina Anyango (10 rebounds) reached the double digits.
After the game, UCU Head Coach Natuhereza lauded his team’s fight and composure despite the loss:
“Both teams did well in limiting activity in the paint; it was very contested in there,” he said. “I wish we could have hit a few more shots because their style forced us to take more from deep. Unfortunately, we didn’t score enough, but I’m proud of how the girls fought.”
The coach also stressed the importance of maintaining focus for the remainder of the campaign:
“We want to finish as high as we can. We have enough time to recover and prepare for the next game. It’s a match we must take seriously.”
Lady Canons will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff against Magic Stormers, as they aim to close their season on a winning note and reaffirm their status as one of Uganda’s most consistent women’s basketball teams.
