UCU Lady Canons one win away from ninth title

UCU Lady Canons coach Nicholas Natuhereza has warned his players against getting carried away after moving within one win of their ninth National Basketball League title.

The Mukono-based side beat JT Lady Jaguars 68-63 in Game Three of the best-of-seven final on Wednesday night to take a 3-0 lead in the series.

UCU, who last won the league title in 2022, now need one more victory to reclaim the championship.

"I think so in our minds that as much as we are quite close, we can't get carried away. We still have a lot of work to do, and we need to focus on that," Natuhereza said.

"As much as we have won the past three games, I feel like we can be better. The players know that as well, and the coaching staff know that. Right now, the focus is on whether we can improve and play much better in Game Four."

UCU started well, leading 17-14 after the first quarter and 33-27 at half-time.

JT fought back in the third quarter, winning it 22-18, but UCU remained ahead 51-49 going into the final period.

The Lady Canons held their nerve in the fourth quarter, outscoring JT 17-14 to complete the three-game sweep.

Zoe Atek and Matrina Anyango led UCU with 17 points each. Anyango also grabbed a game-high 21 rebounds, while Atek added eight rebounds and eight assists.

JT were led by Brenda Kayaga, who scored a game-high 22 points. Sandra Ayikoru Wangeshi and Aziida Nabayunga added 10 points each.

UCU dominated the boards with 64 rebounds compared to JT's 43 and also scored 12 second-chance points.

Natuhereza said it would be difficult to stop all of JT's threats and called on his players to take their chances.

"It's usually tough for you to take away every weapon that the other team has. Hopefully the other players can step up and take the opportunities," he said.

Coach Sudi Ulanga and his girls must win Game Four to keep their title hopes alive and force Game Five, which would be played on Sunday if needed.

Meanwhile, KCCA Leopards finished third in the 2026 NBL Women's League after beating Magic Stormers 85-57.

Asinah Kabendera led KCCA with 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Ninette Uwineza collected 10 rebounds and 11 assists.

Sharua Nakirya scored six points, grabbed 10 rebounds and made five assists.

For Magic Stormers, Margaret Bagaala scored 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Susan Rebecca Aanyu added 11 points and four rebounds. Daphine Adong contributed 14 points, six rebounds and three assists.

NBL Women 2026

Third-Place Game

Stormers 57 Leopards 85

Final Series

Game 3

Lady Jaguars 63 Lady Canons 68

 UCU lead series 3-0

Friday (Lugogo)

Game 4

Lady Jaguars v Lady Canons 7pm

Sunday

Game 5: If needed

Lady Canons v Lady Jaguars 6pm