JKL Lady Dolphins reignited their women’s National Basketball League title defense with a hard-fought 59–51 victory over UCU Lady Canons on Tuesday night at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, leveling their semifinal series at 1–1.
After falling 57–46 in Game One, JKL responded with purpose, led by an inspired first-half performance that set the tone for the night.
Brenda Ekone powered the early surge with her trademark intensity, while Ritah Imanishimwe and Hope Akello delivered crucial three-pointers to stretch the lead to 14 points by halftime.
UCU fought back in the second half through Marina Anyango and Sylvia Nakituuka, cutting the deficit to seven points, but Ekone’s decisive 7–0 run in the fourth quarter sealed victory for the defending champions.
Ekone and Akello each scored 16 points, while Anyango registered a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds for UCU.
Game Three of the semifinal series will be played on Friday at 7 pm at the same venue, with both sides eyeing a spot in the finals.
Earlier in the evening, UCU Canons capped their 2025 National Basketball League campaign with a 70–60 win over Sommet BC to secure third place in the men’s division.
The game was closely contested until the final quarter, when UCU’s experience and composure proved decisive.
Daniel Muganzi led the way with 18 points, supported by Flore Dushime with 15 and Alier Pech with 12.
Sommet’s Mark Ngobi (17 points), Peter Cheng (14), and Kasereka Tembo (12) put up strong performances, but UCU’s late dominance ensured a comfortable finish.
The victory confirmed a solid season for the Mukono-based side, while Sommet’s fourth-place finish marked a successful debut campaign in Uganda’s top flight.
