The 2025 National Basketball League playoffs begin tonight, Friday, September 5, at Lugogo Indoor Arena with two quarterfinal clashes lined up for live broadcast on NBS Sport.
In the women’s fixture, UCU Lady Canons face KIU Rangers at 7 pm before debutants Sommet BC take on KCCA Panthers in the men’s category at 9 pm.
The Lady Canons, led by Gazelles head coach Nicholas Natuhereza, finished fourth in the regular season with a 14-4 record and enter as slight favorites. Their university rivals KIU Rangers, however, have reason for confidence after stunning UCU 64-57 in the second round, a result that boosted belief ahead of the playoffs.
For the Rangers, this is a chance to reach the semifinals for a fourth straight year and avenge last season’s elimination by UCU. Head coach Julius Lutwama, also an assistant with the Gazelles, will rely on the leadership of captain Ines Kanyamuneza and power forward Sharon Kirabo, plus reinforcements Djeneba Ballo and Rokie Coulibaly. Veterans Racheal Nanyonga and Sera Yaweh add further depth.
Kanyamuneza, who has steered the side through a tough season marked by limited squad numbers, says the group is determined to fight for each other. The Rangers are, however, sweating over the fitness of point guard Fildauce Namulema, who is doubtful for Game 1.
UCU, with their trademark discipline and depth, will aim to stamp authority early and avoid another upset. With a rich playoff history, the Lady Canons are keen not to falter against their rivals.
Attention will then shift to the men’s tie, where Sommet BC, playing in their first-ever playoffs, face the seasoned KCCA Panthers. Sommet impressed in their debut season, finishing third and losing only twice in the second round. But KCCA hold a psychological edge, having completed a season double over them.
Sommet coach Albert Aciko believes his team has prepared well during the break and insists they are ready to correct past mistakes. The additions of Frank Nyembo, Pierre Tembo, and towering center Peter Cheng have added balance and energy, fueling hope for a strong showing.
KCCA, meanwhile, enter with confidence from their flawless record against Sommet this season, knowing victory tonight would put them in control of the best-of-three series.
Elsewhere, the highly anticipated quarterfinal between defending champions City Oilers and JT Jaguars has been put on hold. The Jaguars lodged a successful appeal with the FUFA Juridical and Appeals Tribunal over the eligibility of Oilers’ new signings Chad Bowie and Kurt Curry Wegscheider. The tribunal has ruled that no game should proceed until its final decision, expected on Sunday, September 8.
Tonight’s fixtures live on NBS Sport:
- UCU Lady Canons vs KIU Rangers – 7:00 pm
- Sommet BC vs KCCA Panthers – 9:00 pm
