There will be waves of nostalgia as the JKL Lady Dolphins face the UCU Lady Canons in the 2024 NBL Finals.

In the 2022 Finals, the 2 sides met, and the UCU Lady Canons, having been down 3:0 in the series, won the final 4 games and won the championship.

The Lady Dolphins were able to get revenge last year after eliminating the 8-time champions in the semifinals and eventually winning the championship after defeating the KIU Rangers, 4-1 in the Finals.

Since 2022, there have been a lot of changes to both teams but the core of the JKL Lady Dolphins is still intact and they will be looking to avenge that 2023 loss.

The Lady Dolphins swept the UPDF Lady Tomahawks in the quarter-finals but it was a different ball game in the semifinals. T

The JT Lady Jaguars pushed them to the edge, winning game 3 with 2 Free Throws in the final 2 seconds and losing by 1 point in game 4.

After going past a very tough opponent in the semifinals, one would say it was a preparation for the Finals which is also expected to be extremely tough.

The UCU Lady Canons blew out the KIU Rangers with 29-point win in game one of the semifinals but the Rangers adjusted their defense and played better in the subsequent games.

The Lady Canons have relied on 3-point shooting and in that game one, they scored 14 3-point shots.  It wasn’t the case for the remainder of the gamw but one can see the threat that they pose from distance.

Hajara Najjuko has been their key shooter, nailing a couple of open shots but their leader has been Shakirah Nanvubya.

She has been doing a bit of everything, but most importantly, her ability to read defenses and make those assists to her teammates.

Bridget Aber against Hope Akello will be a marvel to watch. The 2 players are experienced and know their way around the basket. Hope hasn’t been herself but her teammates have been able to carry some of her baggage and the team has attained success. I

In a game like this, you need to Hope to show up more so when you know she’s the most suitable person to cut off the Bridget Aber threat.

Bridget Aber will also have to work and play extended minutes because of her importance for the Lady Canons.

The youngster Sylivia Nantongo shall also be asked a lot of questions but to be the best, you have to beat best and she will be in for a battle win Gazelles’ Center Becky Longom.

Throughout the season, the JKL Lady Dolphins have been the better side when compared to the UCU Lady Canons. They have scored 261 more points, made 92 more steals and had 116 less turnovers than the UCU Lady Canons but all that won’t matter.

On of the most important statistics is the Free throws, the Lady Dolphins have been fouled the most they have been rewarded with 127 more Free Throws compared to UCU.

In the quarter-finals alone, they attempted 83 Free throw, 20.75 per game and they converted 62%. Their opponents had 52 attempt, 31 less than JKL and that shows how much the Charity Line is an asset for the Lady Dolphins.

JKL Lady Dolphins

Playoffs record 5-1

Previous Games

JKL Lady Dolphins 58:59 JT Lady Jaguars

JKL Lady Dolphins 68:70 JT Lady Jaguars

JKL Lady Dolphins 71:47 JT Lady Jaguars

JKL Lady Dolphins 51:48 JT Lady Jaguars

JKL Lady Dolphins 84:57 UPDF Lady Tomahawks

Top Performers (Playoffs)

Brenda Ekone 15.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 1.3 ast, 2.5 stl, 2.16 T.O, 6.16/13.16, 46.8% FG

Evelyne Nakiyinji 8.83 pts, 5.5 reb, 2.16 ast, 1.5 stl, 3.5 T.O, 3.16/7.16, 44% FG

Jane Asinde 14.2 pts, 5 reb, 1.8 stl, 2.6 T.O, 4.8/9.4, 51% FG

Becky Longom 6.2 pts, 11.4 reb, 0.8 stl, 3.4 T.O, 3/11.8, 25% FG

UCU Lady Canons

Playoff Record 5-1

Recent Games

UCU Lady Canons 58:43 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 52:48 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 51:54 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 73:44 KIU Rangers

UCU Lady Canons 68:58 Magic Stormers

Top Performers (Semifinals)

• Aziida Nabayunga 9.5 pts, 8 reb, 1.75 T.O, 3.75/9, 41.6% FG
• Shakirah Nanvubya 12 pts, 4.5 reb, 4.75 ast, 1.25 stl, 4. T.O, 2.5/10.75, 23% FG
• Hajara Najjuko 9 pts, 3 reb, 1.25 ast, 1.25 stl, 2 T.O, 30% FG

HEAD TO HEAD

JKL Lady Dolphins 79:50 UCU Lady Canons

JKL Lady Dolphins 75:68 UCU Lady Canons

JKL Lady Dolphins 75:65 UCU Lady Canons

JKL Lady Dolphins 79:66 UCU Lady Canons

JKL Lady Dolphins 60:48 UCU Lady Canons

JKL Lady Dolphins 76:58 UCU Lady Canons