NBL playoffs: JKL Lady Dolphins on verge of qualifying for women’s final

By Thomas Odongo

Tusker Lite NBL playoffs, Semifinals

Sunday Results

*KCCA Leopards 52-65 JKL Lady Dolphins (Game 2)

*UCU Canons 64-72 City Oilers (Game 1)

*UCU Lady Canons 62-43 KIU Rangers (Game 1)

*KIU Titans 75-64 Nam Blazers

JKL Lady Dolphins are on the verge of qualifying for the final of the Tusker Lite National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs after they beat KCCA Leopards 52-65 in game two of the semifinals of the women’s division playoffs on Sunday at the YMCA basketball court in Wandegeya, Kampala.

JKL Lady Dolphins who are the women’s division holders now aim to sweep the semis just like they did in the quarterfinals. They won Game 1 57-37 and will aim to seal it all in game three of the best of five series.

JKL Lady Dolphins are still unbeaten both in playoffs and regular season and are the only perfect side across top tier divisions ever since the 2022 season tipped off.

Just like in game one, Hope Akello once again stole the show posting another double double, this time round 11 points, 12 rebounds and 1 assist. She was once again named Tusker Lite player of the game.

Other standout players for JKL Lady Dolphins included Brenda Ekone with 20 points 8 rebounds and 1 assist. Taundechia Oluoch managed 8 points, 14 rebounds and 1 assist.

Angella Namirimu was one of the players who stood out for KCCA Leopards shooting 14 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist including Becky Longom who came off the bench and shot 8 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists and Ruth Letaru who had 8 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists.

In the other women’s game, UCU Lady Canons outclassed KIU Rangers to take game one and beat them  62-43.

In the men’s division, holders City Oilers posted a 64-72 win over UCU Canons with James Okello shooting 15 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists, including 2 steals and 1 block as the men in blue aim for an eighth straight title.

In the final game of the matchday, KIU Titans levelled series 1-1 against highly rated Nam Blazers beating them 75-64. The Kansanga based outfit were dominant throughout.

The playoffs of the Tusker Lite National Basketball League will continue this week