Rockets edge Panthers in thriller as KCCA Leopards dominate KIU Rangers

National Basketball League 

Friday, June 6

Kampala Rockets 78 KCCA Panthers 75
KCCA Leopards 75 KIU Rangers 61

The Kampala Rockets edged out the KCCA Panthers 78-75 in a close National Basketball League game on Friday night at Lugogo Indoor Arena, completing a season double against their rivals. 

They had previously won 65-63 in the first round back in May, fueling their confidence heading into this matchup.

The Rockets started strong, ending the first quarter with a 22-12 lead. But the Panthers weren’t about to fold easily.

They came back in the second quarter, with Stephen Otoa tying the game at 37-37 just before halftime, reigniting their hopes for a win.

After the break, the Rockets took back control, building a seven-point lead (62-55) by the end of the third quarter and managing to hold on to their lead for the win. 

Puati Ozias Kikomba stood out for the Rockets with 17 rebounds and 13 points, while Joseph Wacha and Juf Mpiya each scored 14 points.

On the Panthers side, Davis Assimwe was the top scorer with 24 points.

Toussaint Mampuya added 13, and Emmanuel Odongkara chipped in with 12 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.

In the Women’s League,the KCCA Leopards put on a solid show, defeating the KIU Rangers 75-61 in another game on the same night. 

The Leopards started off a bit slow and were down 14-18 after the first quarter.

However, they turned things around to take a 40-32 lead at halftime. The Rangers tried hard in the third quarter, but KCCA sealed the game with a powerful final period.

Asinah Kabendela had a great game with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Perus Nyamwenge led the scoring with 20 points, while Susan Aanyu and Margaret Bagaala added 15 and 10 points, respectively.