Kampala, Uganda: The second round of the 2024–25 National Basketball League (NBL) gets underway today, Friday, May 30, at Lugogo Indoor Arena, with a blockbuster double-header featuring KCCA Leopards vs. JKL Lady Dolphins and the unbeaten Namuwongo Blazers against JT Jaguars.
In the women’s division, the 7:00 PM matchup pits table leaders KCCA Leopards (9-1) against defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins (8-2). With just one point separating the two teams, a JKL victory would see them leapfrog KCCA to reclaim the top spot ahead of the playoffs.
KCCA dominated their previous encounter on May 17, winning 75–67 after overturning a JKL first-half lead. Tracy Namugosa was unstoppable that day, dropping 29 points and grabbing 8 steals. She’ll once again be pivotal for the Leopards, while JKL looks to clean up costly turnovers that saw them collapse in the third quarter.
At 9:00 PM, the Namuwongo Blazers will put their perfect 11-0 record on the line against a desperate JT Jaguars side, who are tied with UCU Canons and Kampala Rockets at 7-4 (18 points). A loss could drop the Jaguars out of the top four.
The last time these two teams met, the Blazers cruised to an 83–57 victory. Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, and Michael Makiadi remain the Blazers’ core trio—Enabu posted 21 points in the first encounter, while Okello notched a double-double, and Makiadi lit it up from deep.
JT Jaguars will bank on Mark Were, who scored 21 points in their last clash, and Aaron Eboyu, a reliable contributor throughout the season. However, the absence of their starting shooting guard due to injury may limit their depth.
Saturday, May 31 Fixtures
The action resumes Saturday morning with three women’s division games:
10:00 AM: Winless Nkumba Marines face KIU Rangers (5-5), who are aiming to firm up their playoff hopes.
12:00 PM: Nabisunsa Girls (2-8) take on fourth-placed Magic Stormers (6-4) in a do-or-die battle for playoff survival.
2:00 PM: UCU Lady Canons (6-4) meet Miracle Eaglets (5-5) in a mid-table clash that could redefine the playoff race.
In the men’s division:
4:00 PM: Rezlife Saints face Sommet BC in a must-win for both sides, each holding a 5-6 record.
6:00 PM: The marquee clash sees KCCA Panthers (8-3) against UCU Canons (7-4), who are fresh from beating JT Jaguars. UCU’s Joel Kayiira dropped a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double in that game and remains one to watch.
Sunday, June 1 Fixtures
The final day of weekend action kicks off with more women’s basketball:
10:00 AM: Angels vs. UPDF Lady Tomahawks.
12:00 PM: Nkumba Marines return against JT Lady Jaguars, still chasing their first win.
In the men’s division:
6:00 PM: Kampala Rockets take on the winless KIU Titans, aiming to capitalize and break into the top three, and at 2:00 PM:, JKL Dolphins face the Victoria Crocs (6th), who thrashed KIU Titans 80–52 in their last outing. At 4:00 PM, the reigning champions City Oilers (5-6) battle Livingstone in a high-pressure clash that could derail their playoff campaign.
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