Friday, August 23*JT Lady Jaguars 58-59 JKL Lady Dolphins (1-3)
JKL Lady Dolphins advanced to the finals of the National Basketball League after overcoming the JT Lady Jaguars in the semifinals on Friday.
The defending champions secured their spot with a thrilling 59-58 win in Game 4, clinching the best-of-five series 3-1.
JKL appeared to be in control early, building a commanding 38-24 lead by halftime.
However, the JT Lady Jaguars mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, highlighted by a 9-0 run.
A crucial jumper by Sandra Wangeshi tied the game at 50-50 with just four minutes remaining in the final quarter.
The game remained tight, with Wangeshi sinking a three-pointer to put the Jaguars ahead with less than two minutes on the clock.
But Jane Asinde quickly responded with a layup, and Rita Imanishimwe followed with back-to-back baskets, giving the Lady Dolphins a three-point cushion as the clock ticked down.
Rhoda Naggita brought the Jaguars back within a point, but they were unable to capitalize in the closing moments, missing three consecutive shots before the final buzzer.
Rita Imanishimwe led the Lady Dolphins with 13 points, while Hope Akello and Jane Asinde each contributed 12 points. Becky Longom was dominant on the boards, pulling down 20 rebounds.
For the JT Lady Jaguars, Rhoda Naggita and Sandra Wangeshi scored 16 and 13 points, respectively. However, their efforts were undermined by 26 turnovers, a costly factor in their defeat.
With this victory, JKL Lady Dolphins advance to face the UCU Lady Canons in the finals. The Lady Canons earned their place in the championship series after eliminating the KIU Rangers in the other semifinal earlier.
In the men’s division, the decisive Game 5 semifinal between the Nam Blazers and KIU Titans is set for Sunday, with the winner earning the right to face the City Oilers in the finals.
The best-of-seven finals series for both the men’s and women’s divisions is scheduled to tip off on Tuesday.
