Imanishimwe backs JKL to extend winning run against KIU
“We are happy with the win; it gives us confidence and morale. We now focus on KIU Rangers, stay disciplined, play as a team and keep improving every game,” Imanishimwe said after Sunday’s victory.
Ritah Imanishimwe has guided the JKL Lady Dolphins to seven-game winning streak. (Courtesy photo)
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JKL Lady Dolphins guard Ritah Imanishimwe believes her side still has room to improve despite their dominant win over Pearl Queens as they prepare for a National Basketball League clash against KIU Rangers on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
“We are happy with the win; it gives us confidence and morale. We now focus on KIU Rangers, stay disciplined, play as a team and keep improving every game,” Imanishimwe said after Sunday’s victory.
The defending champions extended their winning streak to seven consecutive games with a commanding 74-44 triumph at Lugogo, maintaining their strong push near the top of the NBL Women standings.
JKL took control early, racing to a 25-13 lead in the first quarter before stretching the advantage to 42-20 at half-time, leaving Pearl Queens with a mountain to climb.
Imanishimwe was central to the performance, delivering 29 points, four rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes to guide her team to victory.
“We followed the coach’s instructions, stayed organised and executed well in key moments. That is what made the difference and helped us secure such a big win,” she added.
Despite a brief slowdown in the third quarter, JKL maintained their composure and finished strongly in the final period to seal a comfortable win.
The result leaves JKL in fourth position on the table with seven wins from eight games, while Pearl Queens remain inconsistent in fifth place.
The defending champions will face KIU Rangers on Wednesday, a side that has struggled for consistency this season.
With JKL in top form, they will go into the contest as favourites, but KIU will be aiming to bounce back after their recent defeat to KCCA Leopards.
The Leopards led 18-13 in the first quarter and held a narrow 28-25 advantage at half-time before pulling away in the second half to seal the win.
Ninette Uwineza scored 16 points, while Soigi Martha added 12 and Margaret Bagaala contributed 11. KIU Rangers relied on Cinderella Anema with 13 points and Ines Kanyamuneza with 10.
In the men’s games, City Oilers continued their unbeaten run with a 69-59 victory over UMU Flames, with Fayed Baale leading the scoring with 21 points.
Rezlife Saints bounced back to defeat UCU Canons 73-61, thanks to 18 points from Hon Kwany.
Sommet BC recorded the biggest win of the day, thrashing Kampala Rockets 90-62 in a one-sided encounter.
Wednesday’s fixtures will see Lady Dolphins face KIU Rangers, while UCU Lady Canons take on Nabisunsa as they look to maintain pressure on the top teams.
Magic Stormers will battle Miracle Eaglets in a clash between sides seeking to climb the table.
In the men’s category, Namuwongo Blazers face Kampala Rockets, with the Blazers expected to build on their strong form.
Rezlife Saints host JKL Dolphins in Entebbe, while KCCA Panthers take on Victoria Crocs in another competitive fixture.
National Basketball League
Sunday 29th.
Women
Lady Dolphins 74 Queens 44
Leopards 72 Rangers 51
Men
Oilers 69 Flames 59
Rezlife 73 Canons 61
Sommet 90 Rockets 62
Wednesday, April 1
Women
Lady Canons v Nabisunsa – Lugogo Arena (7 PM)
Stormers v Eaglets – Rezlife Entebbe (7 PM)
Rangers v Lady Dolphins – YMCA Wandegeya (7PM)
Men
Rockets v Blazers – Lugogo Arena (9PM)
Saints v Dolphins – Rezlife Entebbe (9PM)
Panthers v Crocs – YMCA Wandegeya (9PM)