JKL Lady Dolphins displayed remarkable resilience to outlast UCU Lady Canons 65–61 in a pulsating Game Three of the 2025 National Basketball League Playoffs semifinals on Wednesday night at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The thrilling contest saw both teams trade momentum in front of a vibrant crowd, but it was the Dolphins who ultimately held their nerve to take a 2–1 series advantage in the best-of-five showdown.
The Lady Canons began brightly, with Sylvia Nantongo setting the tone through an early layup, yet JKL weathered the storm to edge the opening quarter 14–12. UCU responded fiercely in the second frame, led by Ritah Imanishimwe’s mid-range precision, and closed the half with a nine-point cushion (34–25).
After the break, UCU extended their dominance—Shillah Lamunu’s swift eurostep finish stretching the gap to 14 points (44–30). However, the Dolphins refused to fade, clawing back through improved defensive pressure and fast-break efficiency to reduce the deficit to just four (49–45) heading into the final period.
Momentum dramatically swung JKL’s way in the closing minutes when Brenda Ekone came off the bench to ignite the Dolphins’ offense. The dynamic guard tallied 10 crucial points down the stretch, steering her side to a hard-earned four-point victory.
Hope Akello was monumental for the Dolphins, registering a commanding double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Ekone added 17 points, while Evelyn Nakiyingi contributed 10.
For the Lady Canons, Matrina Anyango (15 points), Lamunu (11 points and 14 rebounds), and Nantongo (11 points) led the scoring effort but couldn’t prevent JKL’s late-game surge.
The Dolphins will now look to seal their spot in the finals when the two sides meet again for Game Four, as UCU fight to keep their title hopes alive.
