Natuhereza proud as Lady Canons end season with statement Wwin

UCU Lady Canons head coach Nicholas Natuhereza has praised his team’s resilience and unity after their 69–55 victory over Magic Stormers secured third place in the 2025 National Basketball League Playoffs.

“Finishing third wasn’t our ultimate goal, but I’m proud of the girls for showing character after the semifinal loss,” Natuhereza said.

“They played as a unit, fought for every ball, and proved that the Lady Canons always bounce back stronger when challenged.”

Natuhereza also commended the team’s consistency throughout the season. “This bronze medal reflects our program’s depth and resilience.

We’ve reached the semifinals in over ten consecutive seasons, which speaks volumes. We’ll build on this and return next year determined to chase our ninth national championship.”

The Mukono-based side rebounded from their semifinal defeat to JKL Lady Dolphins with a dominant second-half performance that sealed a well-earned podium finish. The Stormers had a strong start, leading 30–28 at halftime, but their momentum faded in the third quarter as UCU surged ahead with a 16-point lead.

Sarah Namale led the Lady Canons with a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds. Zoe Atek and Sylvia Nakituuka contributed 9 and 8 points respectively. For the Stormers, Joy Nekesa Mupalia delivered a standout performance with 18 points and 10 rebounds, though she lacked sufficient support from her teammates.

UCU’s bench played a crucial role, contributing 45 points and helping the team close the season on a high note. With more than a decade of semifinal appearances, the Lady Canons continue to set the standard for consistency in Ugandan women’s basketball.