UCU draw first blood in NBL women's finals

2026 NBL Final Playoffs

Women

Lady Jaguars 35 Lady Canons 50

Friday (Lugogo)

Game 2

Lady Canons v Lady Jaguars 7pm

UCU Lady Canons' Matrina Anyango says the team must stay focused after starting the 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) Women's Finals with a 50-35 win over Lady Jaguars on Wednesday at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

Anyango scored 13 points and collected 10 rebounds as the Lady Canons took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

"It feels good to win the first game because we worked hard for it. We stayed together and followed our game plan, and that helped us get the result," Anyango said.

She expects the Lady Jaguars to return stronger in Game Two and wants her teammates to improve on their mistakes.

"Lady Jaguars will come back stronger in Game Two, so we have to stay focused, correct our mistakes and keep the same energy if we want to win again," she said.

UCU started the game strongly, opening with a 7-0 run before taking a 10-4 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Lady Jaguars responded in the second quarter, with Mary Priscillar Nambogo helping them reduce the deficit to 13-12.

However, UCU regained control and went into halftime with a 27-16 lead.

The Lady Canons continued to defend well after the break, holding the Lady Jaguars to nine points in the third quarter to lead 37-25.

They then scored 13 points in the final quarter to complete the 50-35 victory.

Sylvia Nakituuka led UCU with 15 points, while Anyango added 13 points and 10 rebounds.

For the Lady Jaguars, Sandra Wangeshi led the scoring with 10 points, while Mercy Batamuliza had a game-high 19 rebounds.

The Lady Jaguars struggled with their shooting, making 13 of 69 attempts from the field. UCU made 17 of 62 attempts and also scored six three-pointers against the Lady Jaguars' two.

The victory is a good response from UCU after the Lady Jaguars won both regular-season meetings, 55-51 in March and 74-70 in April.

UCU coach Nicholas Natuhereza now needs three more wins to guide the Lady Canons to their ninth NBL title.

Lady Jaguars coach Sudi Ulanga will hope his side can respond in Game Two and level the series.

Game Two will be played on Friday at Lugogo Indoor Arena.