The second round of the 2025 National Basketball League tips off in style this Friday night, May 30, at Lugogo Indoor Arena, with two blockbuster fixtures set to light up the court and the title race in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
In the headline women’s clash, defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins face off with current table-toppers KCCA Leopards in what is already shaping up to be a potential title decider.
The game, which tips off at 7 PM, will be broadcast live on NBS Sport.
The Leopards come into the contest brimming with confidence, having ended the first round with an impressive 9-1 record to sit atop the standings with 19 points.
Their only blemish came in a narrow loss to Miracle Ravens. Meanwhile, JKL Lady Dolphins are close behind in third place with an 8-2 record and have the opportunity to leapfrog KCCA with a win tonight.
This high-stakes rematch is a continuation of one of the NBL’s most exciting rivalries.
In their previous meeting, KCCA claimed a hard-fought 75-67 win after a game-changing third-quarter blitz that saw them force eight turnovers and convert 12 points from them.
The Lady Dolphins had started brightly in that contest, leading 18-14 after the first quarter, but faltered due to inefficiency and poor bench contributions.
JKL struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 4 of 24 three-point attempts and committing 26 turnovers. They were also outscored off the bench, with their reserves contributing a meagre 12 points.
However, coach Rogers Sseruyigo’s charges will look to turn the tables this time, especially with the return of Shadiah Nassanga, who brings renewed energy and depth off the bench.
Nassanga is averaging 7 points and 6 rebounds per game and is expected to play a key supporting role.
Yet the spotlight will again be on star forward Hope Akello. The reigning MVP has been the cornerstone of JKL’s campaign so far, averaging a double-double in the first round.
Her presence in the paint and leadership on both ends of the floor remain pivotal to the Dolphins’ title hopes.
KCCA, on the other hand, have built a reputation for depth and balance. New acquisition Tracy Namugosa has added firepower to their already talented roster and was instrumental in the earlier win over JKL, dropping a season-high 29 points.
The Leopards also boast a reliable supporting cast that includes Sharua Nakirya, Perus Nyamwenge, Margaret Baagala, Susan Rebecca Aanyu, and Uwineza Ninnete; making them arguably the most well-rounded side in the league.
In the men’s division, the undefeated Namuwongo Blazers take on third-placed JT Jaguars in what promises to be another fireworks-filled encounter.
The clash will tip off at 9 PM at the same venue and will also be live on NBS Sport.
The Blazers closed out the first round with a flawless 11-0 record, including a commanding 83-57 win over the Jaguars last month.
The Jaguars, though currently in third place, have had a mixed campaign. Their first-round performance tailed off with back-to-back defeats to UCU Canons and Sommet, raising concerns about their consistency and depth.
Coach Sudi Ulanga now faces the daunting task of reviving his side’s fortunes against a Nam Blazers team that looks increasingly like championship favourites.
Another loss would not only mark a season-double defeat to the Blazers for the Jaguars but could also jeopardize their top-four ambitions as the playoff race intensifies.
The Jaguars will then be aiming to be the first team to upset the Blazers, something that would move them two points behind the table leaders.
