The most epic way to close a tightly contested game, all orchestrated by Coach Sudi Ulanga
By A.A Johnson | 24, April, 2025 | 12:00 noon
What initially looked like an embarrassing defeat for the Lady Jaguars turned into one of the most incredible games of the season. In a stunning final stretch, the Lady Jaguars toppled the UCU Lady Canons 57–52. After trailing for nearly the entire game, the White Jaguars launched one of the most impressive comebacks the franchise has ever seen.
It cannot be overstated — Mambo Maimuna was simply transcendent, delivering the most remarkable performance of her career with a season-high 12 points. It was Mai who gave fans a glimmer of hope, draining a clutch three-pointer with 1:53 left to cut the deficit to one, 51–52. She followed that up by attacking the basket and drawing a foul. She made the first free throw to tie the game but missed the second. Aziida crashed the boards, grabbed the rebound, and fired a three-pointer, which missed. But then came Mercy, perfectly timed, perfectly placed — she scooped up the offensive rebound and was fouled by UCU’s Aber as she converted a tip-in layup. She completed the three-point play, giving the Jaguars a 55–52 lead with just a minute remaining.
From there, the Jaguars locked in defensively. UCU couldn’t get anything going. When Rhoda finally broke loose and finished with a late bucket, the Jaguars sealed the game at 57–52.
As has become somewhat customary in recent games, the White Jaguars started off poorly. Their offense was flat and disjointed, with shots clanging off the front rim and missed free throws piling up — including Shakira’s 1-of-4 performance from the line. For most of the first quarter, she was the only player on the board until Sarah Ageno made a layup in the final two minutes. Mary Priscilla scored three points, Rhoda and Wangeshi chipped in two each, but it wasn’t enough. UCU played sharp and fast, quickly building a lead as large as 12 points. By the end of the quarter, the Jaguars trailed 10–19.
The second quarter saw a flicker of life. Aziida opened with a basket, and Brenda Kayaga and Maimuna knocked down threes, combining for nine points from beyond the arc. With just over five minutes remaining in the half, Brenda’s triple tied the game at 21. Mai hit another three, but Ciella Christa answered with one of her own for UCU. The teams traded blows until halftime, where the game stood even at 30 apiece.
In the third quarter, UCU looked ready to pull away again. Aber Shillah Lamunu buried back-to-back threes, but Maimuna replied with one of her own. Annet Among then stepped up with a massive stretch — grabbing eight defensive rebounds in just over seven minutes and adding two points — keeping the team grounded, especially in Mercy’s absence. Despite their efforts, the Canons clung to a 47–44 lead heading into the final quarter.
But the fourth quarter belonged to the Jaguars. They limited the previously red-hot Canons to just five points in the entire period. On the other end, led by a locked-in Maimuna, the Jaguars exploded for 13 points in the clutch. Their defense was relentless, their execution poised, and their will undeniable.
Much credit goes to Coach Sudi, the bench, and the loyal fans who stayed and rallied the team through the storm.
The White Jaguars now turn their focus to Nabisunsa, whom they face this Saturday in Mukono at 12:00 noon.