2026 National Basketball League | Women | Friday February 13,
- JKL Lady Dolphins 78-68 JT Lady Jaguars
Experienced campaigners JKL Lady Dolphins showed why they remain serious contenders, defeating rivals JT Lady Jaguars 78-68 in an entertaining National Basketball League clash at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday night.
The meeting of last season’s finalists carried early-season weight. JKL were seeking a response after an opening-day loss to the Leopards, while the Jaguars arrived unbeaten and confident.
The game started at high intensity. Melissa Taliba drew early cheers, but JKL were shaky, with Shadia Nassanga turning over possession and missing a jump shot.
The Jaguars punished those lapses as Mercy Batambuliza finished a layup off a neat assist from Maimuna Nabbosa.
Still, the Dolphins matched their rivals’ energy and the first quarter ended level at 20-20.
JT edged the second quarter. Tamasha Nsubuga tried to steady JKL, but Sandra Ayikoru Wangeshi and Rocha Nagitta kept the Jaguars in control. Cleaner ball movement and better execution helped JT take a 40-35 lead into halftime.
JKL returned from the break with purpose. Brenda Ekone led the charge, attacking the rim and combining well with Flavia Oketcho and Taliba.
The Dolphins cut the deficit to 42-40 early in the third quarter, forcing Jaguars coach Sudi Ulanga to call a timeout as momentum shifted.
The break did little to slow JKL. Oketcho drilled a three-pointer to push them ahead. Though the Jaguars responded through Brenda Kayaga and Nagitta, the Dolphins adjusted well, including introducing Ogundha for Evelyn Nakiyinji to steady the floor.
Tension rose in the stands as fans questioned several officiating calls, adding to the drama of a tightly contested third quarter in which both teams traded baskets.
The fourth quarter belonged to JKL. They stretched the lead to 11 points, forcing the Jaguars to chase the game.
Ayikoru sparked brief hope with a fine drive and assist to Nagitta for a three-pointer, cutting the gap to 69-63 with two minutes left.
But JKL’s experience told in the closing moments. Nassanga hit a crucial jump shot, and Nakiyinji calmly converted her free throws before sealing the win with a composed layup to complete a 78-68 victory.
Ekone led JKL with 17 points and six rebounds. Ritah Imanishimwe added 16, while Taliba scored 15 in a balanced team effort.
For the Jaguars, Sarah Ageno posted a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. Ayikoru scored 13, Nagitta added 10, and Bridget Aber contributed 11 in defeat.
