Lugogo, Kampala: Namuwongo Blazers and defending champions City Oilers stormed into the National Basketball League (NBL) semifinals after sealing decisive Game Two victories at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Thursday night.
The Blazers dominated Rezlife Saints 76-61, taking a 23-18 first-quarter lead before stretching it to 42-35 at halftime. Jimmy Enabu’s big three-pointer closed the third quarter, and the Blazers’ defense limited the Saints to just 10 points in the final period to wrap up a comfortable 15-point win.
Anthony Chukwurah led the scoring for the Blazers with 15 points, Enabu added 14, while Michael Makiadi contributed 11. Michael Otieno (17) and Christopher Omanye (13) stood out for the Saints, but their efforts could not keep their season alive.
In the night’s other clash, the City Oilers showed championship grit to edge JT Jaguars 67-65 in a thriller. The Jaguars led 20-16 after the first quarter and 37-31 at halftime, but the Oilers clawed back in the third before grinding out the win in the closing seconds.
Kurt Wegscheider dropped 20 points for the Oilers, with Mer Maker adding 14 and Fayed Baale also hitting double figures. Ian Lubwama (14) and George Agasi (10) were the main scorers for the Jaguars, but their late push fell short.
The victories mean both Blazers and Oilers have joined Sommet and UCU Canons in the semifinals, setting up a heated four-way battle as the chase for the 2025 NBL title enters its decisive phase.
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