29 August 2024 | Basketball

UCU Lady Canons took charge of the National Basketball League Playoffs finals after defeating defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins 71-66 in a thrilling Game 1 encounter at Lugogo.

The Lady Canons had a quick start establishing a 15-7 lead by the end of the scrappy first quarter. Their momentum carried into the subsequent quarter and the university side was up 40-23 at halftime.

However, the Lady Dolphins fought back in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to just eight points.

JKL kept chipping away in the fourth quarter and with just under three minutes left in the final quarter, Rita Imanishimwe hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 60.

In the tense fourth quarter, Bridget Aber (UCU) and Jane Asinde fouled out of the game.

UCU's captain Shakirah Nanvubya was instrumental, leading all scorers with 21 points. Tracy Namugosa and Shilla Lamunu also made significant contributions with double-digit scores of 17 and 11 points, respectively.

Asinde, despite fouling out, led JKL Lady Dolphins with 17 points, followed by Ekone Brenda with 12, while Hope Akello and Imanishimwe both added 11 points.

JKL will be looking to bounce back in Game 2 on Friday.

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