Equity Hawks Edge Out JKL Dolphins to Secure Fifth Place in WBLA Zone Five Qualifiers

The Equity Hawks clinched fifth place in the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone Five Qualifiers with a hard-fought 59-56 victory over Uganda’s JKL Dolphins at Zanzibar’s Amaan Indoor Stadium.

Kenya’s defending champions entered the tournament with high hopes of reclaiming the Zone 5 title, which they last held in 2018, after narrowly missing out in 2023 with a semifinal loss to rivals KPA.

The game opened with the JKL Dolphins seizing the momentum, pushing the pace with quick transitions and precise finishes that put the Hawks on the defensive. By the end of the first quarter, Equity trailed 17-22. However, in the second quarter, the Hawks regained composure, tightening their defense and strategically running the court to chip away at the deficit, ending the half at 30-35.

The third quarter marked a turning point for Equity, who began to control the boards, secure rebounds, and execute swift passes to seize the lead, entering the final quarter up 45-39.

In a tense fourth quarter, JKL closed the gap with critical fast breaks, keeping Equity’s lead within reach. In the final seconds, Equity maintained a slim 59-56 advantage, and a last-minute three-point attempt from JKL bounced off the rim, securing the Hawks’ victory.

Equity’s Judith Pantaleo led the team with 16 points, while Maryann Nyagaki contributed 14. Fielding an all-Kenyan lineup, the Hawks highlighted their commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting the sport within Kenya.