JKL, REG boss Africa Women's League qualifiers openers 

 

KIGALI (Rwanda) - Newly-crowned Ugandan champions JKL Lady Dolphins got their campaign, for a slot in the inaugural Africa Women's Basketball League (AWBL), off to a 84-30 winning start. 

The side was playing South Sudan's Nile Legends in the opening match of the 9-team FIBA Africa Zone Five Qualifiers that got underway on Sunday, October 28 and will run until November 4 at the Kigali Lycee in Rwanda. 

The 2023 Africa Women's Basketball League is set to take place in Egypt between December 8 and 17.

JKL landed pool B in the draw conducted on the eve of the competition, pairing the South Sudanese outfit, hosts Rwanda Energy Group (REG), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Tanzania's Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa (JKT). 

Pool A is headlined by APR of Rwanda, Kenya's Equity Bank Hawks, Tanzania champions Vijana Queens and Gladiators of Burundi. 

Fresh from bagging the Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade at the Ugandan playoff final series, Hope Akello led her side on the offense, dropping 13 points in just over 17 minutes as Ritah Imanishimwe and skipper Flavia Oketch added 12 and 10 points respectively. 

The Ugandans overcame a slow start that saw them trailing 5-0 and again 9-2 in the opening five minutes of the match to go on a scoring spree and end the quarter leading 18-14. 

It was a JKL show from then on as they went 18-3 in the second stanza to carry a 19-point advantage heading to the halftime break. The third quarter was slightly competitive as Nile Legends scored 11 against the opponent's 25 to head to the final period with the scoreline reading 61-28.

There was no chance for the South Sudanese side to make a comeback against the fancied Ugandan who remained relentless in the final quarter, scoring 23 while restricting Nile Legends to 2 points for the massive win.

Rhoda Nagitta was the best player for Nile Legends, offensively, dropping ten points as Akuak Ajah Kur Aguto added 7 while pulling down 11 rebounds, seven on defense. 

REG v JKT

In the second match of the night, Betty Kalanga was the star of the show as REG played JKT for a 89-38 outcome. 

Kalanga, taking advantage of the mismatch clash, scored a double-double with 23 points and a massive 17 rebounds to lead the home side's onslaught. 

Chelsea Jennings added 18 points to the tally, Mreille Muganza Nyota joining Kalanga on the double-double train with 13 points and 15 rebounds and lead REG's starting five to hitting double digits on points. Annastasia Hayes (12) and Rosine Mcomyiza (10) completed the list.

JKT's Adrian Upendo managed 12 points to emerge the highest scorer for the Tanzanian side that was dominated 26-11, 24-16, 15-05 and 24-06 on all quarters.

DAY 2's FIXTURES 

Day two of action will see Kenyan champions KPA take on JKL from 12:00 noon (local time) as they look to reclaim the title they lost to Alexandria Sporting Club of Egypt and book their ticket to the continental competition slated for December. 

Equity take on Vijana Queens at 1500 hrs, JKT Stars seek redemption against Nile Legends who will be on a similar pathway from 1800hrs and finally APR commence their search for glory on home soil with a clash against Galdiators from 2000 hrs. 

FIBA