The JT Lady Jaguars finally got their long-awaited revenge against the JKL Lady Dolphins, securing a crucial victory in Game 3 of the semifinals—a win that snapped a string of frustrating losses dating back to Round 1 of the WNBL 2023 season. After a disappointing Game 2 loss, characterized by what Coach Cuthbert labeled an “unacceptable” defensive performance, the Jaguars recalibrated and came out swinging on both ends of the floor.
Rhoda and Mercy were the engines behind the Jaguars’ offense, each contributing 14 points for a combined 28. The team shot a modest 30% from the field and matched that from beyond the arc, going 7-for-23. Despite these average shooting numbers, the Jaguars managed to establish their dominance early, launching an 11-0 run to open the game and setting the tone with a solid first quarter that ended with an 18-12 lead.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. JKL clawed their way back into the contest, briefly taking a 35-31 lead in the third quarter, their only advantage of the game. Flavia Nakiyinji kept JKL in the hunt with 19 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting, while Brenda Kayaga chipped in 10 points, though she struggled from distance with a 2-of-9 performance from deep. Yet, it was Sarah’s controversial foul-out and Mercy’s relentless double-double that shaped the narrative. Mercy, who racked up 19 rebounds, dominated the board and made her presence felt on both ends of the court.
In the final stretch, with just seconds left on the clock and the game tied at 68, Mercy’s offensive rebound and subsequent trip to the charity stripe became the game’s defining moment. Calm under pressure, she sank both free throws, giving the Jaguars a 70-68 edge. JKL had one last gasp—a desperate three-point attempt by Becky Longom that ended in an airball, sealing the Jaguars’ first win of the semifinals.
Coach Cuthbert, relieved, “We needed this win and will build on it to level the series on Friday.” Rhoda said the same with a similar statement, underscoring the importance of staying locked in and bringing their A-game for Game 4.
Game 4 is tomorrow and now that we have began the fire, it isn’t ending until we say so.