UCU Lady Canons face defining test against JKL Dolphins

National Basketball League

Friday 20th (Lugogo Arena)

Women
Lady Dolphins v Lady Canons 7pm

Men
Oilers v Canons 9pm

UCU has started the season well, winning games and building confidence, but a bigger test now lies ahead.

The early wins have given them momentum, yet the real challenge begins on Friday when both UCU teams face tough opponents at the Lugogo Arena.

The UCU Lady Canons will take on defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins, while the UCU Canons go up against the unbeaten City Oilers.

Head coach Nicholas Natuhereza is demanding more from his players as they prepare for these crucial encounters.

“We have had a good start, but there is still a lot to improve in our game. We must stay focused, defend better, and execute well against stronger opponents,” Natuhereza said.

If the first games were about building confidence, these next matches are about proving just how strong UCU really is. The Lady Canons are unbeaten so far, with victories over Victoria She Crocs, KIU Rangers, KCCA Leopards, Pearl Queens, and Miracle Eaglets.

However, their next opponent brings back tough memories. Last season, UCU pushed JKL Lady Dolphins to a deciding semifinal game but ultimately lost. They later finished third after beating Magic Stormers.

“Meeting them again is always a big test because they are champions, but we are ready to compete and show how much we have improved as a team,” Natuhereza said.

The Lady Canons have played well as a cohesive unit. Shillah Lamunu has led the scoring, while Mariam Namukwaya, Faith Aseru, and Doreen Nakibuuka have provided valuable support in attack. Sarah Namale, Martina Anyango, and Sylvia Nakituuka have been instrumental in defence and rebounding.

“We have depth in the squad and players understand their roles well. What is important now is consistency, especially in defence, because games like these are decided by small details,” Natuhereza added.

JKL Lady Dolphins are also in fine form. They have won five of their last six games, with their only loss coming early in the season against KCCA Leopards. Impressive wins over Angels, Nabisunsa, Miracle Eaglets, Magic Stormers, and JT Lady Jaguars underline their strength.

In the standings, the Lady Canons remain unbeaten but sit in second place. KCCA Leopards are top because they have played more games and boast a superior points difference. A win for UCU would strengthen their position, while a loss would allow JKL to close the gap.

UCU Canons face unbeaten City Oilers

In the men's game, UCU Canons face a formidable City Oilers side that has won all five of their games this season. The Oilers have recorded victories over KCCA Panthers, Sommet, Kampala Rockets, UPDF Tomahawks, and the Namuwongo Blazers.

The Canons have won three and lost two games so far. They have beaten UMU Flames, Victoria Crocs, and Sommet but suffered losses to UPDF Tomahawks and the Namuwongo Blazers earlier in the season.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest, they will come up against former UCU player Joel Kayiira, who now turns out for City Oilers.

“He has grown into one of the most consistent players, and meeting him again adds more competition to the game,” Natuhereza said.

Kayiira has developed significantly since joining UCU in 2022. He helped the team win gold at the East African University Games and also performed well at the AUUS University Games. He is now a key player for the Silverbacks.

Looking at the standings, UCU are positioned in the middle of the table, while City Oilers are among the top teams and remain unbeaten.

A win for UCU would boost their confidence and improve their standing, while a loss would make their path forward more difficult. For the Oilers, victory would keep them in pole position, while a loss would open up the race for the teams behind them.