Lady Jaguars coach warns against playoff complacency

JT Lady Jaguars head coach Sudi Ulanga has hailed his side's outstanding 2026 National Basketball League women's regular season campaign but urged his players to carry their strong form into the playoffs while staying focused and avoiding complacency in the knockout stage.

The Lady Jaguars completed their season with a 111–32 win over Nabisunsa on Sunday, finishing top of the standings with 42 points from 22 games (20 wins, 2 losses). They scored a league-high 1,557 points and conceded 981 for a best-in-league +576 point difference.

"We are happy with the season the girls have had. They have shown discipline, effort and consistency from the first game to the last," Ulanga said.

Against Nabisunsa, JT Lady Jaguars led 25–7 in the first quarter and 54–18 at halftime before sealing a comfortable victory. Aziida Nabayunga led with 20 points, Brenda Kayaga added 16, and Maimuna Nabbosa contributed 14, while Mercy Batamuliza posted a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Seven players finished in double figures, with the bench adding 53 points.

"The most important thing for us has been teamwork. Even in games where one player leads scoring, others step up in different roles, and that balance has carried us through," he added.

Ulanga, however, warned that the playoffs will present a different challenge. "The regular season is one thing, but playoffs are another level. Every possession matters, every mistake is punished. We must be ready for that intensity."

He further emphasized the need for mental strength. "At this stage, talent is not enough. It will be about focus, discipline and staying calm in pressure moments."

Other results

In other women's action, the UPDF Lady Tomahawks secured a 71–52 victory over Miracle Eaglets, while KIU Rangers edged Magic Stormers 64–61.

In the men's division, UPDF Tomahawks defeated UCU Canons 78–71 in overtime. UCU led 21–13 and 35–31 before UPDF forced overtime at 63–63 and dominated the extra period 15–8.

Victoria Crocs also edged JT Jaguars 77–71 after overtime. Mark Ngobi led the Crocs with 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while JT Jaguars' Peter Sifuma recorded 19 points and 27 rebounds.

The regular season concludes this week with decisive fixtures on Wednesday and Friday at multiple venues. Wednesday's action includes Namuwongo Blazers vs Kampala Rockets, JKL Lady Dolphins vs Nabisunsa, and UCU Lady Canons vs Miracle Eaglets, among others. Friday will see UCU Lady Canons face JKL Lady Dolphins and Namuwongo Blazers take on UCU Canons in key matchups that will determine final standings.

National Basketball League

Results

Women

Lady Tomahawks 71 Eaglets 52
Rangers 64 Stormers 61
Lady Jaguars 111 Nabisunsa 32

Men

Tomahawks 78 Canons 71
Crocs 77 Jaguars 71

Wednesday

Abja Park
Women

Eaglets v Lady Canons 7pm

Men
Blazers v Rockets 9pm

YMCA Wandegeya
Women
Lady Dolphins v Nabisunsa 7pm

Men
JKL Dolphins v Saints 9pm

Lugogo Arena
Women
She Crocs v Leopards 7pm

Men
Flames v Jaguars 9pm

Friday

YMCA Wandegeya
Women
Lady Canons v Lady Dolphins 7pm

Men
Blazers v Canons 9pm