The JT Lady Jaguars defeated the defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins 75-71 in a what was a worthwhile season opener.

This was the most hyped women’s game and it delivered on all ways because of how much speed, grit, skill, energy and experience that was displayed.

The two teams went toe to toe in the first quarter with 5 lead changes and the game being tied twice.

Becky Longom started strong as she went for 8 points and 6 rebounds.

On the other end, Shakirah Nanvubya started delivering from the get go, she had 4 assists and 6 points after the first period.

In the second quarter, JT took the defense a notch higher. They limited JKL to 10 points, and just 12 field goal attempts.

Mid-way through the quarter, they made an 11-2 run to build a 13-point lead but JKL closed with the final 2 baskets of the quarter to trail by 9 points into the halftime break.

It was very shaky start to the second  for the Lady Jaguars as they made 4 consecutive turnovers.

The Lady Dolphins took the momentum and went on a 10-0 run to take a 1-point lead with 5 minutes left.

However, the Lady Jaguars also had their moment and went on a 10-0 of their own to take a 9-point lead into the final quarter.

Despite trailing by 11 in the fourth quarter, JKL stayed in the game and kept cutting through the deficit.

They made a 6-0 mini-run to make it a 5-point game and scored on 5/6 consecutive possessions to make a 9-0 run and establish a 4-point lead with 3:47 left in the game.

However, just like we saw in the third quarter, the Lady Jaguars were not done yet and they took over in the final 3 minutes.

Aziida scored a huge 3-point shot while Sandra Ayikoru Wangeshi and Rhoda Nagitta produced magical moments which ultimately led to the victory.

Match Stats

JKL Lady Dolphins

Hope Akello 20 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast

Becky Longom 14 pts, 16 reb, 2 ast

Evelyne Nakiyingi 13 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast

JT Lady Jaguars

Shakirah Nanvubya 18 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast

Sandra Ayikoru Wangeshi 12 pts, 4 reb, 2 stl

Mercy Batamuliza 9 pts, 11 reb

The JT Lady Jaguars will be back in action on Wednesday 26th as they take on Angels.

JKL Lady Dolphins will return to action on Saturday 29th in a game against the Magic Stormers.