UCU Canons clinch third as JKL Dolphins tie series

National Basketball League ( Tuesday 7th)

Men third place (Lugogo)
UCU Canons 70 Sommet 60

Women semifinals (Lugogo)
Lady Dolphins 59 Lady Canons 51 ( Game 2 )

The UCU Canons capped off their 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) campaign  defeating Sommet Spartans Basketball Club 70–60 in the third-place playoff at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Tuesday.

The victory sealed another strong season for the university side, who have remained consistent top contenders in Ugandan basketball.

It was an end-to-end battle, with Sommet taking an early two-point lead after the first quarter.

However, the Canons quickly found their rhythm in the second period, using quick passes and solid defense to regain control. 

Sommet relied heavily on long-range shots, with Kasereka Tembo hitting two three-pointers, but they still trailed by six points at halftime.

The game remained close in the third quarter. Mark Ngobi’s layup tied the score at 44–44 late in the period, giving Sommet a one-point edge heading into the final stretch. 

However, UCU’s composure and experience shone through in the fourth quarter as they dominated possession and executed key plays to secure a comfortable 10-point win.

Daniel Muganzi led the Canons with 18 points, followed by Flore Dushime with 15 points and Alier Pech adding 12. On the Sommet side, Mark Ngobi (17 points), Peter Cheng (14), and Kasereka Tembo (12) all posted strong numbers in a losing effort.

This season, Mukono boys  won 18 of their 26 regular-season games before falling to Namuwongo Blazers in the semifinals. They maintained their defensive discipline throughout the campaign and were widely praised for their teamwork and player development under Coach Nicholas Natuhereza.

Across the previous two seasons, the Canons have also been among the league’s most consistent performers. In 2023–24, they finished third again with 16 wins and 10 losses, losing to City Oilers in the semifinals. 

In 2022–23, they placed fourth, recording 14 wins before being beaten by KIU Titans in the third-place playoff. 

Their steady rise and continued top-four finishes have solidified UCU’s reputation as one of Uganda’s most disciplined and competitive teams.

For Sommet Spartans, finishing fourth in their debut top-flight season is a massive achievement. 

The newcomers impressed with their tactical approach, securing 14 wins in the regular season and advancing to the semifinals after eliminating KCCA Panthers in the quarter finals playoffs and later being eliminated by powerhouse City oilers in the semi finals.

Despite losing the third-place game, their future in the league looks promising.

Meanwhile, in the women’s semifinals, JKL Lady Dolphins leveled their best-of-five series 1–1 after a 59–51 victory over UCU Lady Canons in a hard game also played at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The fixture had been postponed over the weekend due to heavy rain that disrupted games at YMCA Court, Wandegeya.

Ritah Imanishimwe and Hope Akello powered JKL’s early charge, each sinking two three-pointers in the second quarter as the defending champions opened a 14-point halftime lead.

Brenda Ekone and Hope Akello both finished with 16 points, while Marina Anyango registered a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds for UCU. Sylvia Nakituuka also contributed 12 points for the Lady Canons.