JKL’s Evelyn Nakiyingi Credits Team Defense In Win Over Nkumba

JKL Lady Dolphins’ guard Evelyn Nakiyingi has applauded her team’s defense in the win over Nkumba Lady Marines in a league game played on Sunday at YMCA court in Wandegeya.

Nkumba, led by Brenda Ekone gave JKL a big run for their money especially in the first half but JKL came out big down the stretch to seal a hard fought win.

Ekone made her explosive drives, Fina Busingye shot from outside, Susan Becca Aanyau and Faridah Kadondi shouldered off JKL’s guards while Haruri Catherine orchestrated plays as Nkumba put up a fight.

However, despite holding a slim 30-29 halftime lead, JKL remained in character to limit Nkumba to just six points in the third quarter (13-6) before sealing the last quarter with a 22-13 win to snatch the victory.

Nakiyingi (white) tracking down Nkumba’s Ekone. FUBA/Stone Images

“We worked together as a team defensively, in the first quarter it was more of a personal defense and we later realised our weaknesses and we had to play as a team,” Guard Nakiyingi told this Website.

“Teams come with different plays, different approaches and we always adjust depending on the team we are facing.

“They always come strong at us, and this inspires us more because we have to show them that we have to go all the way unbeaten.”

The victory leaves JKL unbeaten with 11 wins from as many games. This was their second win in the second round after overcoming top rivals UCU Lady Canons on Friday at Lugogo’s Indoor Arena.

As an individual, Nakiyingi led the way with 16 points. She added three rebounds and as many steals. She shot 4-12 from the three point range, while the rest of the team shot an ugly 2-26 from the same distance.

Sharp shooter – Evelyn

Nakiyingi added:

“I felt better today, I shot better compared to the last games. It feels good that the Coach trusted me with many minutes because everyone wants more playing time.”

Nakiyingi has averaged 16 minutes on court this season. She has played in all the eleven games for JKL this season, a record she jointly holds with Brenda Nakitende and Hope Akello.

Only Jamila ‘Zama’ Nansikombi (30 assits) has had more assists than Nakiyingi (27 assists) in JKL. Flavia ‘Flirsh’ Oketcho (25 assists) comes in third.

With 78 points, Nakiyingi is fourth on JKL’s points leader board. Jane Asinde who left to USA has 139, Hope Akello has 132 while Zama comes third with 119.

“She has been good today, an important figure in our team,” said Coach Henry Malinga when asked to comment about Nakiyingi’s performance.

Malinga, on Nkumba victory noted: “They came out to play, and gave us a hard time. We need to work on our levels of efficiency and consistency. We always turn off when we are in the lead.”

Next for JKL Lady Dolphins is UMU Ravens next Saturday at 10:00 AM

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