KAMPALA, UGANDA: City Oilers extended their unbeaten run in dominant fashion while Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Flames registered back-to-back wins in a thrilling weekend of National Basketball League (NBL) action.
The Oilers delivered one of the most commanding performances of the round, crushing JKL Dolphins 76-43 on Sunday.
The defending champions set the tone early, racing to a 24-6 first-quarter lead before stretching it to 39-23 at halftime. They maintained control throughout, sealing the game by the third quarter.
Rogers John Baptist Dauna led the Oilers with 13 points, while Shane Birungi added 11. Elvis Mpeti Bwanka was a standout for JKL Dolphins with nine points and 11 rebounds.
Flames Find Form
UMU Flames continued their resurgence with a 64-57 victory over Kampala Rockets, powered by a sensational performance from Agot Agot.
The forward scored 32 points in just 26 minutes, alongside five rebounds and three assists, guiding the Flames to their second straight win.
After a slow start that saw them lose six of their opening eight games, the Flames are beginning to find rhythm.
They overturned a 16-8 first-quarter deficit, surged in the third quarter with a 22-9 run, and held their nerve in the final minutes as Rockets threatened a comeback.
Panthers Edge Canons in Overtime Thriller
KCCA Panthers secured a hard-fought 85-81 overtime win against UCU Canons in one of the weekend’s most dramatic encounters.
UCU forced overtime with a strong fourth-quarter rally, but the Panthers held firm. Waleed Omar scored 15 points, while Livingstone Kimambo added 13 points and 10 rebounds.
For UCU, Alier Pech recorded 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Women’s League Highlights
In the women’s division, JKL Lady Dolphins cruised past Victoria She Crocs with an 80-53 victory.
Evelyn Nakiyinji dominated with 22 points and 19 rebounds, while Tamasha Nsubuga added 20 points.
Magic Stormers also impressed, defeating Angels 67-47 behind Daphine Adong’s 25 points and Namugala Jesca’s 17.
On Saturday, Lady Jaguars thrashed Stormers 70-36, while KIU Rangers edged Lady Tomahawks 49-43.
Saturday Results Recap
JT Jaguars returned to winning ways with a 77-60 victory over Victoria Crocs, ending a three-game losing streak.
Peter Sifuma starred with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Ian Lubwama added 14 points and eight assists.
Elsewhere, Namuwongo Blazers beat JKL Dolphins 68-49, and UMU Flames picked up their first win of the season with a 61-52 result over UPDF Tomahawks.
Matchday Results
Sunday
Men: Flames 64-57 Rockets | Oilers 76-43 Dolphins | Panthers 85-81 Canons
Women: Lady Dolphins 80-53 She Crocs | Stormers 67-47 Angels
Saturday
Men: Jaguars 77-60 Crocs | Blazers 68-49 Dolphins | Flames 61-52 Tomahawks
Women: Lady Jaguars 70-36 Stormers | Rangers 49-43 Lady Tomahawks
Schedule Disruptions
Friday fixtures were postponed by the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) to allow Muslim players and fans to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Earlier postponements were also recorded following bereavement within the basketball fraternity.
City Oilers and UCU Lady Canons remain the only unbeaten teams so far this season.
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