Friday, August 30*UCU Lady Canons 58-56 JKL Lady Dolphins (2-0)*KIU Titans 64-70 City Oilers (0-2)
UCU Lady Canons pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat defending Champions JKL Lady Dolphins 58-56 in a nail-biting Game Two of the National Basketball League (NBL) Finals on Friday at Lugogo.
The win gives the Lady Canons a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
JKL, desperate to even the series after losing Game One, came out with intensity, storming to a 24-12 lead by the end of the first quarter.
A big three-pointer by Brenda Ekone in the early stages of the second quarter stretched their lead to 15 points, putting UCU on the back foot.
However, the Lady Canons showed resilience, chipping away at the deficit and going on a 10-0 run in the third quarter to cut the gap to just three points.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when Shilla Lamunu hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game at 50-50.
Shortly after, Namugosa gave UCU their first lead since the opening exchanges of the first quarter, a lead they maintained despite JKL’s efforts to reclaim it.
With the clock winding down, JKL who were trailing by two points, had opportunities to tie the game but struggled to convert, missing five consecutive shots in the final two minutes.
Namugosa led the Lady Canons with 17 points, while Bridget Aber contributed a double-double with 12 points and 19 rebounds.
Sylvia Nantongo played a key role on defense, grabbing 10 rebounds and limiting JKL’s star player Jane Asinde.
For the Dolphins, Brenda Ekone had a game-high 23 points. Asinde and Hope Akello chipped in with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Despite forcing UCU into 30 turnovers, JKL was out-rebounded 63-37, a factor that ultimately cost them the game.
The Lady Canons now have a chance to extend their lead further in Game Three, set for Sunday, while JKL faces a must-win scenario to keep their title defense hopes alive.
