This game featured some of the worst the Jaguars have ever looked since their appearance in the NBL. That’s saying a lot!
By, A.A Johnson | April, 10, 2025 | 12: noon

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After putting in a below-average performance (win) against the JKL Dolphins, the Jaguars followed it up with one of the worst fourth-quarter showings of the season. With just under two minutes left in the game, Erick Komagum tips in a layup that leveled the game at 57. The JT Jaguars then decided to commit five turnovers, made zero field goals, and allowed the Victoria Crocs to go on a 12-1 run, sealing the game 57-64. And just like that, we lost a must-win game.

It is definitely a cold morning from Kira after such an underwhelming performance last night against the Victoria Crocs. Despite a spirited first-half effort from Peter Sifuma, the rest of the team looked unrecognizable from the side that beat the Oilers just weeks ago. There was no urgency, no composure, and certainly no fight. It’s becoming clear that NBL basketball is now more than just a game—it’s capital-intensive. Teams are playing for survival, and 130k can mean more than some players’ monthly wages.

Teams like the Victoria Crocs are showing up with everything(the little) they have. Meanwhile, the Jaguars look comfortable—too comfortable.

At this point in the season, we’re shooting just 4-of-24 from the three-point line, and 9-of-20 from the free-throw line. And since our shooting is that poor, you’d expect us to make up for it in the paint—but we went just 18-of-46 down there. Really? And 8 of those were from Peter Sifuma alone, who kept us afloat in the first half. The other four starters combined for just 10 points the entire game. How do you expect to win with stats like that?

We had a very small bench last night—just 8 players. Actually, 7.5, because Were Mark was injured, yet still managed to give us 11 points. But even with the short rotation, we should’ve been able to handle the Crocs.

Chuma Fadhili didn’t help either—just 2 points (one bucket) and 5 rebounds in 28 minutes.

Peter Sifuma once again stood out as the lone bright spot among the starters, recording a double-double: 18 points and 16 rebounds. Were Mark, despite his injury, was impactful off the bench with 11 points. Tong contributed 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists on 37% shooting, while Duncan Lubwama added 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists—but also had 5 turnovers. Aaron Eboyu chipped in with 9 points and 4 rebounds, but went just 1-of-5 from deep.

And it’s not like the Crocs played lights out. Outside of Ronald Ayume’s late three-pointer—buried even with a strong contest from Duncan—the rest of their squad had modest individual stats. But their scoring was evenly distributed, and more importantly, they outworked us when it mattered.

This is one we’ll all want to forget.

The Black Jaguars need to shake this off quickly, with a matchup against the KIU Titans coming up on Sunday. If there’s any pride left, now’s the time to show it.

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