Wednesday, August 21
*JKL Lady Dolphins 68-70 JT Lady Jaguars (2-1)
*City Oilers 78-63 UCU Canons (3-0)
JT Lady Jaguars held their ground and avoided a sweep by narrowly defeating the JKL Lady Dolphins 70-68 in a pulsating game three of the NBL Playoffs Semifinals at Lugogo on Wednesday.
Coming into the clash, JKL held a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series, needing just one more win to secure their spot in the finals.
However, the Jaguars, determined not to bow out quietly, set the tone early by taking an 18-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with the lead changing hands multiple times.
The Jaguars managed to build an eight-point lead in the final quarter, but the Lady Dolphins mounted a late comeback.
Evelyn Nakiyinji stepped up for JKL, draining a crucial three-pointer and sinking two free throws to tie the game at 68-68 with just 30 seconds remaining.
With the game on the line, Mercy Batamuliza was fouled at the other end and calmly sank both free throws, putting JT ahead 70-68.
In the dying moments, with exactly second on the clock, JKL called a timeout and set up a final play, but Becky Longom’s jumper at the buzzer fell short, sealing the win for the Jaguars.
The lanky Batamuliza was instrumental in the victory, finishing with a double-double of 14 points and 19 rebounds.
Rhoda Naggita and Sarah Ageno also contributed significantly, adding 14 and 13 points, respectively for the Kira-based Jaguars.
For the Lady Dolphins, Nakiyinji led all scorers with 19 points, while Brenda Ekone and Hope Akello chipped in with 10 points each.
The absence of key player Jane Asinde was felt by JKL, as they were out-rebounded 48-43 in a closely contested game.
With this victory, the Jaguars have kept their hopes alive and will look to tie the series in game four, scheduled tentatively for Friday.
إرسال تعليق