JKL Lady Dolphins edge UCU to reach sixth straight NBL finals

National Basketball League playoffs 

Wednesday 15th ( Lugogo)

Lady Dolphins 59 Lady Canons 52
       

The JKL Lady Dolphins advanced to their sixth straight National Basketball League (NBL) Finals after a hard-fought 59–52 victory over UCU Lady Canons in Game Five of the semifinals at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Wednesday night.

After the win, Hope Akello said, “We knew UCU would give us a tough challenge, but we stayed composed and trusted our system until the end. It was all about teamwork, discipline, and belief  that’s what has kept us going year after year.”

The reigning champions started strongly as Brenda Ekone’s jumper opened the scoring, helping the Dolphins take a 15–11 lead at the end of the first quarter. UCU responded by limiting JKL to just eight points in the second period, taking a narrow 25–23 lead into halftime.

After the break, the Lady Canons struggled to unlock the Dolphins’ zone defence, and by the end of the third quarter, JKL had regained a slim two-point advantage. In the final quarter, UCU’s offense faded, and the Dolphins capitalized with key baskets to close out a 59–52 win.

It was a balanced performance from the Dolphins as Zainah Lokwameri, Hope Akello, and Shadia Nassanga each scored 11 points, while Angella Zainah also contributed 11 points in a solid display. Sylvia Nakituuka led UCU’s scoring with 17 points, and Matrina Anyango added 10 rebounds in a losing effort.

At halftime, UCU led 25–23, with Zainah Lokwameri on 11 points and Sylvia Nakituuka on 8 points. However, JKL’s composure in the final minutes proved decisive as they closed out the series.

The victory sends the JKL Lady Dolphins into their sixth consecutive finals appearance, where they will face the rising JT Lady Jaguars, who made history by reaching their first-ever NBL Finals after sweeping Magic Stormers 3–0.