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Akello, averaging 12 points and 12 rebounds, was named MVP of the finals and also took home the Defensive Player of the Season and top rebounder awards.
Centre Hope Akello was the star of the day as JKL Lady Dolphins landed their third National Basketball League championship in four seasons following a 68-50 win over KIU Rangers Sunday evening.
The Dolphins completed their comeback to wrap up the series 4-1 at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium and reclaim the trophy they lost to UCU Lady Canons last season.
Akello led proceedings for JKL with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Rita Imanishimwe and Brenda Ekone added 15 and 13 points, respectively as the Lady Dolphins blew away the Rangers with ease.
The start was perfect for JKL, who led 18-11 at the end of the first quarter, with Brenda Ekone providing the much-needed early offence.
Henry Malinga’s charges then bossed the second frame 20-12 to lead 38-23 going into the halftime break.
JKL then opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run to create daylight and there was simply no coming back for the Rangers.
KIU’s Rose Mary Amaniyo scored 14 points while Perus Nyamwenge and Ines Kanyamunza added 11 each.
Having topped the regular season standings, the Lady Dolphins ended the campaign in celebrations despite going a game down early in the series.
JKL swept A1 Challenge in the quarterfinals before easing past UCU Canons in the semis.
The first playoffs loss came in Game One of the finals but the response came immediately as Malinga and his troops won four in a row to clinch the title.
Akello, averaging 12 points and 12 rebounds, was named MVP of the finals and also took home the Defensive Player of the Season and top rebounder awards.
The Gazelles star was also named on the Team of the Season alongside Rangers’ trio of Amaniyo, Nyamwenge and Ninette Uwineza, and Sarah Ageno.
National Basketball League Finals
Sunday result
KIU Rangers 50-68 JKL (1-4)
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