Akello and Ekon carry JKL past UCU to level series

Hope Akello and Brenda Ekon scored 54% of the team’s points as JKL defeated UCU 59-51 to level the series.

October 8, 2025

3–4 minutes

Jkl Lady Dolphins, National Basketball League, NBL 25, UCU Lady Canons

The JKL Lady Dolphins registered a 59-51 victory over UCU Lady Canons in game 2 of the semifinals to level the series 1-1.

The Lady Dolphins had many contributors but it was the veteran, Brenda Ekon, who showed that she can still ball, and two-time MVP Hope Akello who went about business as usual.

The two combined for 32 points, 16 each and scored 54% of the team’s total points.

After suffering defeat in game one, the JKL Lady Dolphins needed to take game 2 so as to avoid being down 0-2.

The player knew the assignment a.d they went to work in that first half.

Brenda Ekon scored their first 7 points and JKL led by as many as 8.

The Lady Canons got good looks and some open shots but they weren’t dropping.

However, they scored the final 2 baskets in the quarter to make it a 15-11.

JKL turned up in the second quarter and by the halftime break, they led by 14 points.

In the final 3 minutes of the half, JKL scored 5 of their 7 attempted field goals and had a total of 13 points.

On the other hand, Nantongo scored the only basket for UCU and the momentum was clearly with JKL.

During the second quarter, JKL scored huge 3-point shots, 5 in total. Hope Akello and Ritah Imanishimwe each sunk 2 while Agatha Kamwada scored the final shot of the quarter.

What happened in the third quarter is something that no one expected.

With all the momentum that JKL had to close the half, no one anticipated what would come next.

For over 8 minutes in the third quarter, JKL did not score a point.

Matter of fact, they scored just 1 field goal in the entire third quarter.

UCU came locked in defensively and they made everything difficult for JKL.

They played aggressively on the ball and were very proactive(as a unit) defensively which made it tough for JKL to penetrate.

The Lady Dolphins started taking difficult shots and nothing was dropping.

Their confidence lowered to an extent that even the easy finishes, they couldn’t score.

Nonetheless, they weren’t done yet.

UCU made a 14-0 run to tie the game 41-41 but they never scored in the final 2 minutes, while JKL scored 7.

The Lady Dolphins increased their lead to 14 points halfway through the fourth quarter and it was going to be difficult for a UCU comeback.

Talking Points

Game 2 showed us that these 2 teams are unafraid of each other and regardless of the score, they will fight till the end.

Akello showed us that if you guve her space, she can shoot that ball. UCU need to work out schemes of not giving her space.

Ritah Imanishimwe made her name as a shooter and despite her numbers not being great in the recent years, she showed that she can light up at any time.

She made very tough catch and shoot baskets and when in rhythm, she could determine the game.

For many that doubted Ekon, she showed everyone that she can still run transition and knows where the basket is.

It is very difficult to remember the last time that Shillah Lamunu did not score in a game but was one of those games.

JKL placed a body on her all the time and coach Nick will have to find some solutions for that in game 3.

The biggest positive for UCU in this game was the rebounds. They worked very hard to clean up the glass.

UCU registered 18 offensive rebounds to JKL’s 7. They also scored 19 second chance points to JKL’s 3.

Coming into game 3, UCU will be looking to capitalize more on that.