The second round of the 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) got underway in dominant fashion as the Victoria Crocs cruised to a commanding 67-37 victory over the JKL Dolphins at YMCA Wandegeya on Saturday.
From the opening quarter, Victoria looked in control, setting the tone with suffocating defense and efficient execution in transition.
The Crocs overcame a sluggish start, trailing 14-12 after the first period, by locking in defensively and outscoring JKL in each of the remaining quarters: 15-7 in the second, 22-9 in the third, and 18-7 in the fourth.
Bienfait Lola Minani led the scoring for the Crocs with 11 points and six rebounds in under 16 minutes of action, proving clinical at both ends of the court.
Ronald Ayume added seven points and a key steal late in the fourth quarter that led to a fast-break opportunity. Rajab Mpiima also chipped in with four points off the bench, including a pair of late free throws to cap off the 30-point blowout.
The Crocs out-rebounded JKL 55-47, registered 13 steals, and outscored their opponents 40-18 in the paint. Their pressure forced the Dolphins into 27 turnovers, many of which turned into fast-break points, where Victoria held an 18-9 advantage.
For JKL, Haron Alinaitwe’s nine points were the team’s highest, but the Dolphins struggled offensively all night, shooting just 19% from the field (12-of-62) and a dismal 8% from three-point range (2-of-23).
Kenneth Mesho contributed six points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Wilson Otweyo had a modest three points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Despite a decent opening quarter, the Dolphins faltered under Victoria’s relentless pressure, managing just 23 points across the final three periods.
The Crocs, meanwhile, showcased depth, ball movement, and balance, with five players scoring at least six points and a team total of 19 assists.
The win marks an emphatic start to the second round for Victoria, who are eyeing a deep playoff push this season.
