NBL Playoffs: Hope Akello Credits Defense As JKL ‘Sweep’ KIU

November 20, 2019
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Hope Akello in action for JKL against KIU Rangers. FUBA

Game 1
Nov 13: JKL Lady Dolphins 54-46 KIU Rangers

Game 2
Nov 17: KIU Rangers 41-51 JKL Lady Dolphins

Game 3
Nov 19: JKL Lady Dolphins 70-40 KIU Rangers

JKL Lady Dolphins’ centre Hope Akello praised her team’s defense as they eased past KIU Rangers to reach the 2019 NBL final.

The Lady Dolphins won game three 70-40 on Tuesday at Indoor Arena to complete a 3-0 sweep in the best of five semifinal.

The Lady Dolphins, defending NBL women champions, are in their second straight final and will be waiting on winner between UCU Lady Canons and KCCA Leopards.

L-R: Coach Henry Malinga, Coach Kadipy Kabantu, Gimono Hope, Brenda Nakitende, Peace Nakirijja, Brenda Namirimu, Moureen Atulinda, Muhayimuna Namuwaya and team Doctor. STONE/FUBA photo.

“We played more defense, because good defence wins a game,” Akello told the-SportsNation.com after Tuesday’s win.

“I think we are good enough to win this championship once again because there is good team work which has really helped us so much and any team that is united can beat any one.

“Team work and defense will do the magic for us. Yes, we do start slow but we are working on it technically, and all teams have ups and downs may be that is our down (starting slowly). We need to defend our title.”

KIU Rangers led 17-7 after the first quarter but were limited to just four points in the second quarter, nine and 10 in the third and last quarter respectively as JKL triumped.

JKL’s Hope Akello (blue) tries to stop KIU Rangers’ Esther Marion in game 3 at Lugogo. Stone/FUBA images

Akello, commonly known as ‘Aksie’ in the basketball circles, led the way with a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds.

Stella Oyella also came out with 16 points and 14 rebounds in another commanding display. Rita Imanishimwe had nine points, Peace Nakirijja added 10 rebounds while Captain Flavia ‘Flirsh’ Oketcho and Evelyn Nakiyinji contributed five assists each to a winning tally.

None of KIU Rangers’ players managed to score in double figures; Ines Kanyamunza and Christine Kakyo reaching team high of seven points while Ninette Uwineza managing six points.