When it mattered most, the UCU Lady Canons showed the heart of champions. Facing elimination, the Mukono-based side staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the JKL Lady Dolphins 65-50 on Friday night, reigniting their National Basketball League title chase and setting up a thrilling Game Five decider.
JKL had entered the clash with one foot in the finals, but UCU refused to surrender. After a sluggish start that saw them trail 10-20 in the opening quarter, the Lady Canons regrouped with grit and composure. Their 20-5 blitz in the second quarter completely flipped the momentum, leaving the defending champions chasing the game.
From then on, UCU dictated play—crashing the boards, hustling for every loose ball, and tightening their defense. Their dominance on the glass, with a commanding 57-37 rebounding advantage, exposed JKL’s struggles under pressure. The Lady Dolphins compounded their own misery with 25 turnovers and poor perimeter shooting, sinking just six of 22 three-point attempts.
Matrina Anyango led UCU’s resurgence with a standout double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds. She found support from Shilla Lamunu, who posted 10 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Sylvia Nakituuka added 11 points in a spirited team effort.
JKL’s offense faltered, with only Hope Akello reaching double digits at 15 points — a statistic that mirrored the team’s offensive woes.
With the series now tied 2-2, the two sides will meet again on Wednesday in a do-or-die Game Five. For UCU, it’s another test of resilience; for JKL, a chance to prove their pedigree. Either way, basketball fans can expect fireworks as the battle for a finals spot against the JT Lady Jaguars reaches its dramatic climax.
