The JKL Lady Dolphins proved once again why they are the queens of composure, storming through the final quarter to overpower the JT Lady Jaguars 77-59 and seize a 2-1 lead in the National Basketball League Finals at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Tuesday night.
For three quarters, it was anyone’s game. The Lady Jaguars hungry to bounce back from two defeats came out firing, using their pace and sharp ball movement to grab a 24-18 first-quarter lead. But JKL’s resilience, built on defensive discipline and experience, began to chip away at the early momentum.
Coach Henry Malinga’s side adjusted swiftly, tightening their zonal defence and slowing down the Jaguars’ transition play. Substitute Becky Keren Longom brought energy and grit that swung the game’s rhythm as JKL edged ahead 36-35 at halftime.
The third period remained a tug-of-war, with the Jaguars holding their own and trailing by just one point (52-51) heading into the final 10 minutes. But that was as close as they would get.
In the fourth quarter, the champions showed their pedigree Hope Akello (17 points) dominated the paint, Flavia Oketcho (13 points) orchestrated with poise, while Evelyn Nakiyinji (12 points) and Brenda Ekone (11 points) punished every defensive lapse. A blistering 8-0 run early in the quarter forced a desperate timeout from coach Sudi Ulanga, but the damage was already done. The Jaguars managed just eight points in the period as fatigue and poor decision-making crept in.
Only Rhoda Nagitta (15 points) and Shakirah Nanvubya (13 points) managed double figures for the Jaguars, whose promising start dissolved under JKL’s relentless fourth-quarter pressure.
With the win, the Lady Dolphins now stand one game away from retaining their crown and their dominant finish sent a clear reminder that championship basketball is as much about mental toughness as it is about talent.
