- JKL Lady Dolphins 70-49 KCCA Leopards
Last year, only KCCA Leopards scratched JKL Lady Dolphins in a season the champions won all but one game.
And on Friday night, the two sides took the floor of Lugogo Indoor Stadium as curtains rose on the 2019 National Basketball League.
It was clear, in the first half, that Leopards have forgotten little on how to beat Lady Dolphins.
Berly Aoko and vet Martha Soigi bullied their way to the basket and Cynthia Irankunda did not only direct traffic for the Leopards but also took on the scoring role leading Leopards to a 25-17 at the long break.
JKL struggled to find rhythm in the first half thanks largely to KCCA’s defense that only allowed tough shots. Never the less, Ritah Imanishimwe found room for some open perimeter shots many of which never fell.
In the second half, though, Lady Dolphins proved they are the best team in the division, blowing Leopards out of the arena.
Two up top picks from rising star Jane Asinde in succession that led to easy baskets for Muhayimina Namuwaya and Jamila Nansikombi coupled with a coast-to-coast from vet Flavia Oketcho set the tone for the 3rd quarter in which Dolphins exploded for 28 points.
Evelyn Nakiyinji’s triple at the start of the 23-point final frame only underlined how deep in quality JKL’s roster is.
Nansikombi led all scorers with 20 points, Asinde had 13 points to go with 8 rebounds while Imanishimwe contributed 9 points for the victors.
For Leopards, it was Irankunda who led the way with 11 points coupled with 6 assists, Lillian Otieno had 10 points off the bench 9 of which came from beyond the arc and Soigi scored 9 points.
