Women’s National Basketball League defending champions, JKL Lady Dolphins were hoping for a sweep heading into game three of the semifinal playoffs against JT Lady Jaguars at Lugogo Arena on Wednesday.
However, the Jaguars had other ideas and their effort paid off, pulling one back, 70-68 in this best-of-five series, which now stands at 2-1 in favour of the Dolphins.
The intentions of the Jaguars were clear from the onset when they went 18-12 up in the first quarter, but the Dolphins regained their mojo, and by halftime, it was a four-point game in their hands courtesy of a 35-31 score.
Despite trailing at the interval, the Jaguars were never going to back off, and they managed to regain their lead by five points, 53-48, by the end of the end of the third quarter.
It was a close contest throughout the evening, but the intensity was more felt in the fourth quarters, with both teams sharing the lead, level-ups, misses, and pressure, but eventually, the best team on the day emerged as the winner.
The absence of Gazelles’ captain Jane Asinde was felt by the Dolphins and they’ll be hoping for her availability in game four on Friday.
A quartet of Jaguars managed double figures in terms of points, and that is how much they were determined to avoid a sweep, unlike last season.
Rebounder Mercy Batamuliza was instrumental, putting up 14 points, the same as Rhoda Nagitta, whilst Sarah Ageno and Brenda Kayana scored 13 and 10 points each.
The winner between Dolphins and Jaguars will face the victor of the other semifinal between UCU Lady Canons and KIU Rangers with the former 2-1 up heading into game four on Thursday.
