The JKL Dolphins defeated KIU Rangers 62-48 in game two of the women’s NBL finals to level the series played at YMCA in Wandgeya on Sunday 15, October 2023 .
Despite falling behind 16-15 after Q1, the Dolphins dug deep and went into halftime with a 30-24 buffer.
The Dolphins had four scorers in double figures, with the indomitable Hope Akello and Becky Longom leading the way, with 12 points, 19 rebounds, and 15 points, 18 rebounds double-doubles, respectively.
Rita Imanishimwe and Ekone Brenda added 10 points each on captain Flavia Oketcho’s (9 points) return to the team. Unlike game one, the Dolphins got some production from the bench: 6 points and 12 rebounds collectively.
Perus Nyamwenge led all KIU Rangers scorers with 16 points, with every other scorer below 10. Dorcas Maronbera was on course for an emphatic double-double, able to marshal 8 points and eight rebounds.
Focus now turns to Wednesday, where the two teams will go up in arms in game three at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.
City Oilers get closer to nine
Elsewhere, the City Oilers look on course to retain the men’s crown after defeating the KIU Titans 72-66.
Despite trailing down the stretch in 3Q, the defending champions outscored the Titans 22-13 in the last quarter on the way to victory.
Jimmy Enabu was the star performer for the City Oilers, scoring 19 points. Titus Lual‘s 13 points, 11 rebounds double-double came in clutch, too, with Luak Ruai and James Okello adding 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Titan Amisi Saidi led all scorers with 25 points, with pivot Collins Kasujja adding 12 points.
Titans now face an even harder task of reverting this 2-0 hole, amidst players revolting for their unpaid salary arrears.
Courtesy Photos
