JKL Lady Dolphins roared back to life in emphatic fashion, taming the UCU Lady Canons 59–51 on a pulsating Tuesday night at the Lugogo Indoor Arena to level their National Basketball League Playoffs semifinal series at 1–1.
After stumbling in Game One with a 57–46 defeat, the defending champions bounced back with a masterclass in defensive discipline, tactical precision, and unwavering composure.
From tip-off, JKL exuded hunger and intent. Their high-press defense suffocated UCU’s ball movement, forcing turnovers and limiting open looks.
Star guard Brenda Ekone was electric—relentless in transition and ruthless in execution—as she orchestrated a blistering first-quarter lead of 15–11.
Momentum swung decisively in the second quarter when Ritah Imanishimwe and Hope Akello drained successive three-pointers, sending the crowd into a frenzy and pushing JKL to a commanding 14-point halftime advantage.
UCU refused to fade quietly. Sparked by Marina Anyango’s dominance on the boards and Sylvia Nakituuka’s mid-range sharpness, the Canons clawed their way back to within seven points heading into the final frame.
But when the pressure mounted, JKL’s pedigree shone through. Ekone once again rose to the occasion, launching a personal 7–0 scoring spree that crushed UCU’s resurgence and sealed a vital victory.
By the final buzzer, JKL’s blend of poise and aggression had silenced their critics and reignited their title defense. Ekone and Akello finished with 16 points apiece, while Anyango posted a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double for UCU in a losing effort. Nakituuka also chipped in 12 points.
With the series finely balanced at 1–1, all eyes now turn to Game Three on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
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