FUBA NBL 2019
Wednesday, 17-08-2019
YMCA Courts, Wandegeya
-A1 Challenge 49-48 JKL Lady Dolphins
-Our Saviour 53-110 City Oilers
LUGOGO – JKL Dolphins will not end the regular season unbeaten like they had made many believe.
Henry Malinga’s side had up to Wednesday blown away opponents in the National Basketball League and were on a 13 game unbeaten run since the season started.
However, when they came up against A1 Challenge at the YMCA Courts in Wandegeya, all that changed as they were subjected to a first defeat, losing 48-49.
The final result would not have been predicted at the start of the game as JKL raced into a 4-0 lead inside the opening two minutes en route to a 14-08 victory in the first quarter.
Their advantage was taken to 9 points at halftime as Malinga’s side took the second 15-12.
However, it was in the third that things started falling apart. A1 Challenge powered their way back into the game, posting 17 points and restricting JKL to just 10 at the other end.
Despite conceding the first points of the last quarter, A1 went on a 7-0 run to lead 44-41 with 05:49 on the clock.
It was then JKL’s turn to go on a 5-0 run and in the process, held a two-point advantage with 03:27 to play.
for the next minute or so, it was a cat and mouse chase as the two teams entered into the final 01:45 minutes locked at 47-47.
The game of slim margins was then won by free-throws as Ruth Atuhaire and Elizabeth Akol both made one of their two free throws each, either side of Ritah Imanishimwe’s to guide A1 to a 49-48 victory.
Before the final buzzer, Imanishimwe had a chance to win it for JKL but missed a lay-up with just 00:25 on the clock.
Atuhaire grabbed the headlines as she registered a double double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 8/21 from the field. She was the only Challenger who registered double figures in terms of scoring on the day.
For JKL, Jamila Nansikombi scored 14 points and also posted 10 rebounds while Hope Akello also registered a double double of 10 (points) and 22 (rebounds) in the losing effort.
In the Men’s division, City Oilers continued their impressive start to the second round as they defeated hapless Our Saviour 110-53.
Mandy Juruni’s side were dominant throughout the game, leading from start to finish whilst winning all four quarters.
Oilers had 7 players in double figures in terms of scoring. Jimmy Enabu managed 13 points, Landry Ndikumana 15, Francis Azolibe 13, Abel Omongin 14, Ivan Muhwezi 11, Jonathan Egau 17 and James Okello 11.
For Our Saviour, Maker Mayen top-scored in the losing effort with 17 points while Elton Bakara managed 11.
Oilers now boost a 12-03 record after 15 games while Our Saviour are 02-12 in 14 encounters.
