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NBL FINALS INTENSITY RISES AS LADY DOLPHINS DRAW SERIES WITH JAGUARS

JKL Lady Dolphins level the WNBL Finals at 1-1, overpowering JT Lady Jaguars 52-38. Hope Agnes Akello's huge 16-point, 21-rebound double-double led the defending champions' dominant response.

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JKL Lady Dolphins stage comeback as Akello, Ekone dominate clash - COURTESY/PHOTO

On Sunday night at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, the JKL Lady Dolphins defeated the JT Lady Jaguars 52-38 to reestablish parity in the Women's National Basketball League Finals.

After losing Game One 69-52, the reigning champs reacted forcefully to tie the best-of-seven series at one.

Brenda Ekone and Hope Agnes Akello took the lead. As JKL found their groove again, Ekone assisted with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Akello controlled both ends with 16 points, 21 rebounds, and 4 assists.

JKL got off to a great start, winning the first quarter 11–6 thanks to their calm shot selection and solid defence.

The Jaguars had a brief 18–17 lead in the second quarter, but JKL's experience paid off as they led 28–24 at the half. The Jaguars' perimeter shooters were quieted by their defensive communication and rebounding management.

The key moment came in the third quarter. With Akello's inside play setting the pace and the Jaguars' organised response to every run, JKL increased their lead to 38–32.

Sandra Ayikoru Wangeshi contributed six points, and Sarah Ageno and Aziida Nabayunga each scored seven for the Lady Jaguars. The squad missed 12 of 18 free throws and only made 2 of 25 shots from beyond the arc.

The series is revitalised by the victory. Game Three between the two clubs will take place in the Lugogo Indoor Arena tomorrow, Tuesday, October 28.

While JT needs to regain the offensive effectiveness that won them the first game, JKL will try to gain momentum.

UGANDA CUBS’ SPIRITED SHOW ENDS IN NARROW 3–2 PARAGUAY LOSS

The Uganda Cubs (U17) fell 3-2 to Paraguay in a thrilling Dubai friendly. Despite goals from James Bogere & Abubakali Walusimbi, a defensive error cost them. Coach Ssenyondo remains upbeat ahead of their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.

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Paraguay Edge Uganda Cubs 3–2 in Dubai - COURTESY/PHOTO

In Tuesday night's final international friendly match of the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup, the Uganda Cubs, Uganda's U17 national team, put up another valiant display but lost to Paraguay, a South American squad, 3–2.

The game was the final test for the Cubs before their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup debut in Qatar. Once more, Brian Ssenyondo's charges displayed attacking promise, but defensive lapses undid their progress.

James Bogere, the young Ugandans' danger man, gave them the lead in the 24th minute. Bogere had previously scored against Venezuela and was continuing his excellent scoring record.

But Paraguay fought back, as Alan Ledesma equalised in the 40th minute from the penalty spot.

Almada Derlis gave the South Americans the lead with a well-executed goal four minutes later, guaranteeing Paraguay had a 2-1 lead at halftime.

After the half, Uganda returned with renewed vigour, applying pressure to Paraguay before Abubakali Walusimbi levelled the score in the 55th minute.

Despite the comeback, De Cavalho Mouricio took advantage of a defensive blunder to slide in the game-winning goal in the 71st minute, giving Paraguay the lead again.

After an encouraging 1-1 draw with Venezuela in their opening match, Uganda lost to Panama 2-1, marking their second loss in Dubai.

Following the match, head coach Brian Ssenyondo remained upbeat ahead of the World Cup and thanked his troops for the experience they received throughout the camp.

"I am grateful that this camp has taken place, and I would like to thank the Federation for this initiative as it has provided us with a realistic picture of what the World Cup will be like," Ssenyondo stated.

It means a lot because the teams we have faced are from the same area as our group rivals, Canada and Chile. The good news is that we have scored first in each of the three games, demonstrating our offensive ability. We need to get better at game management and defence. I think everything will be set up by the time we play our first game in Qatar.

At the forthcoming FIFA U17 World Cup, Uganda is grouped with Canada, Chile, and France in Group K. They will play their first match against Canada on November 5.

Even though the Cubs have lost all of their friendlies in Dubai, their performances have taught them important lessons and given them more self-assurance before their first appearance on the international scene.

LADY DOLPHINS TAKE CHARGE IN NBL FINALS, BEAT JAGUARS 2-1

JKL Lady Dolphins take a 2-1 NBL Finals lead after a dominant 77-59 win over JT Lady Jaguars. A strong fourth-quarter performance sealed the victory for the defending champions.

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Flavia Oketcho rewinding the days, contributing 13 points while sinking 4 of 5 three-point field goals - COURTESY/PHOTO

The JT Lady Jaguars fell apart in the fourth quarter, giving the JKL Lady Dolphins a 2-1 lead in the National Basketball League playoffs.

At the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Tuesday, the JKL Lady Dolphins defeated the JT Lady Jaguars 77-59 in the NBL Finals.

Despite getting off to a strong start, the Kira-based team dropped their second straight game due to the Lady Dolphins' zonal defence.

The Lady Jaguars took a six-point (24–18) lead at the end of the first quarter after the Lady Dolphins' high pick and roll failed.

Becky Keren Longom came off the bench to strengthen the defence of the defending champions as the Lady Dolphins struggled to keep up with the Lady Jaguars' rapid transitional style.

The Lady Dolphins led by a slender margin of one point (36-35) at the half.

As the Lady Jaguars entered the final quarter trailing by one point (52–51), they improved their defence after coming out of the locker rooms.

The Lady Dolphins' experience and mindset provided them with the advantage in the last quarter as the Lady Jaguars struggled offensively and made poor decisions.

Sudi Ulanga, the coach of the Lady Jaguars, had to call a timeout because the team was ahead 8-0 going into the fourth quarter. However, the Jaguars trailed by 18 points and were only able to score eight points in spite of the team talk.

The Lady Dolphins' top scorers in double figures were Brenda Ekone (11 points), Evelyn Nakiyinji (12 points), Hope Akello (17 points), and Flavia Oketcho (13 points).

However, the only Lady Jaguars players to score in double figures were Rhoda Nagitta (15 points) and Shakirah Nanvubya (13 points).

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