Friday, October 6
*JKL Lady Dolphins 75-65 UCU Lady Canons (3-0)
*KIU Titans 75-74 UCU Canons (3-0)
UCU Lady Canons will not be participating in this year’s NBL finals, marking the first time they’ve missed out since 2012.
Their hopes were dashed by the JKL Lady Dolphins, who executed a convincing 3-0 sweep in their best-of-five semifinals series.
The pivotal game three concluded with JKL emerging victorious, securing a 75-65 win at the YMCA Court in Wandegeya to earn their spot in the finals.
Coming into Friday’s thriller, UCU Lady Canons faced a must-win situation after losing their first two games against JKL.
They managed to lead 38-37 at halftime, but JKL surged back, dominating the third quarter with a score of 26-15, largely thanks to Brenda Ekone’s three three-pointers. JKL never let go of their advantage throughout the game.
Noteworthy performances included Hope Akello’s double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, along with Rita Imanishimwe and Ekone contributing 17 and 16 points, respectively. Flavia Oketcho made her presence felt with 8 assists.
On the UCU side, Bridget Aber also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Shakira Nanvubya and Aziida Nabayunga each added 10 points to the scoreboard.
And as it was in 2012 when KCCA Leopards beat A1 Challenge to win the title, UCU will be watching this year’s final from their homes.
For years, the Lady Canons had been a dominant force in the NBL, consistently making appearances in the finals since 2013 and clinching victory in five out of nine final series.
This time, however, it was the JKL Lady Dolphins seeking redemption, especially after their defeat to UCU in the previous year’s final, where UCU secured their record eighth league title.
JKL, who had previously triumphed over UCU in the 2018 and 2019 finals, will now strive for their third league crown.
They await the outcome of the matchup between the KIU Rangers and JT Lady Jaguars, with the former leading the series 2-0 ahead of their game three scheduled for Sunday.
