KIU Rangers end JKL unbeaten record

Just when you thought surprises were done, a new episode of the dramatic NBL season unfolds and this time round, it was in the replay of the 2023 finals. On a cold Saturday evening, the KIU Rangers gave the defending Champions, JKL Lady Dolphins a sucker punch, winning the game 55-50 and ending the Lady…

2bob Sports

April 9, 2024

3–5 minutes

Jkl Lady Dolphins, Kiu Rangers, National Basketball League

Just when you thought surprises were done, a new episode of the dramatic NBL season unfolds and this time round, it was in the replay of the 2023 finals.

On a cold Saturday evening, the KIU Rangers gave the defending Champions, JKL Lady Dolphins a sucker punch, winning the game 55-50 and ending the Lady Dolphins unbeaten run.

From the tip-off, the JKL Lady Dolphins looked toothless and they scored just 6 points in the first quarter. That was the lowest scored in a quarter in any game for them this season.

It was a much improved second quarter, Hope Akello adding 4 baskets to her 3 in the first quarter and making it 14 points in the first half. Brenda Ekone added a valuable 6 points for them and it was game on.

Amaniyo Mary who had a team-high 14 points and 19 rebounds 📸 Toni Kamau

The start of the third quarter was poor for both teams, with first basket coming 2:50 minutes into the quarter.

The KIU Rangers made a 9:0 run, Elizabeth Aguti and Amaniyo making huge 3-point shots and they made it a 10-point game. The final 2 minutes were just like the start, just 1 point was made in that time.

The Rangers made it a 13-point game but the Lady Dolphins hadn’t given up on the game. They made a huge 12:00 run and tied the game with 2:01 left.

However, the Rangers managed to maintain composure and foght till the end to secure the win.

Talking points

JKL poor shooting

The Lady Dolphins have been very poor when it comes to scoring the basketball. They are the number two best offensive team but only 23.6% of their points have come from 3-point shots.

They have attempted 288 3-point shots and made just 48 of them, a 16.7%. Their ‘star’ shooting guard Ritah Imanishimwe has made just 14 of 98, 14.3% and in the last 2 games, she has 4/43, 9% from 3-point range. She has also attempted the most 3-point shots in a two game span (43) this season.

The Lady Dolphins heavily rely on quick transition to set up speedster Brenda Ekone and also Hope Akello pounding defenders in the paint. Anything from Mid-range onwards, they struggle and it has been the same story all season long.

During this loss against KIU, the situation wasn’t any better for them, with 4/46 from 3-point range, it was bound to be a difficult game for them offensively.

Becky Longom poor offense

Becky Longom is one of the most important players for the JKL Lady Dolphins and with this comes a lot of responsibility. There’s no doubt that she’ll get you rebounds but when it comes to points on the board, she has struggled a bit.

With Hope Akello heavy-ladened, Brenda Ekone off and the shots not falling from range, the Lady Dolphins needed more presence in the opposition’s paint but Becky couldn’t perform. With 2 points and 0 assists, she didn’t do much to help the troubled Lady Dolphins.

The same was seen against the KCCA Leopards, she scored 2 points and had 1 assist. These are the games when they need her to step up offensively because these could be the potential match-ups in the playoffs.

Lack of trust in the Bench

The JKL Lady Dolphins have shown time and time again that they have ‘place-holders’ on the bench. With Flavia Oketcho absent, one would think that some players would have been given an opportunity but the coach did as he always does.

4 of the starting 5 players each had 35+ minutes, while just 2 players, Thelma Toskin and Agatha Kamwada came on from the bench. They had a the just 2 bench points, the lowest in any game for them this season.

KIU Rangers team performance

The Rangers fought collectively as a team and they had 5 players collect 9+ rebounds.

Fildauce came out with major hustle plays and her energy just rubbed off on all her teammates. They took the game to JKL. Punished JKL on most of their mistakes except in the 4th quarter where they almost threw it all away.

Match Stats