The clash between the JKL Lady Dolphins and the KCCA Leopards gave fans a preview of what the upcoming finals series might entail.
The JKL Lady Dolphins continued their impressive undefeated streak, securing their seventh consecutive victory. The highly anticipated showdown on Friday, March 29th, saw two of the Women’s NBL’s top-ranked teams engage in an intense court battle.
Evelyne Nakiyinji emerged as a key player for the Lady Dolphins, demonstrating exceptional composure and delivering crucial plays throughout the game.
While the Lady Dolphins have maintained an unblemished record, triumphing even in challenging matchups against teams like the Miracle Ravens and KCCA, the KCCA Leopards have encountered difficulties in pivotal moments, struggling to overcome adversity, as witnessed in their previous encounter with the Miracle Ravens.
The Lady Dolphins took an early lead with a nine-point advantage after the first quarter, but the Leopards staged impressive comebacks to keep the game tightly contested.
Reigning MVP Hope Akello proved unstoppable, contributing significantly to her team’s hard-fought victory. Akello’s stellar performance included 20 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals over 37 minutes of play.
Brenda Ekone and Evelyne Nakiyinji also delivered standout performances, making crucial shots during crunch time. Nakiyinji’s nine-point contribution in the fourth quarter, including a clutch 3-point shot as time expired, propelled the Lady Dolphins to a four-point lead.
Despite the Leopards’ efforts, including Sylvester Kazibwe’s game-high 8 assists and strong defensive presence, they fell short in their bid for victory. The Leopards managed 35 bench points, with notable contributions from Margaret Bagaala, Leanne Nalunkuma, Sylvester Kazibwe, and Asinah Kabendela.
As the game progressed, tension mounted, captivating fans and keeping players laser-focused on securing the win. The final moments were marked by intense back-and-forth action, with the Lady Dolphins showcasing their experience and composure, culminating in an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
In a thrilling finale, the Lady Dolphins emerged triumphant with a narrow 83-81 win over the Leopards, delivering an electrifying performance that lived up to the heightened expectations of the season’s marquee matchup.
This game marked the first instance this season where both teams scored 80+ points in a single game.
