Kampala, Uganda: Record champions City Oilers Basketball Club capped off a strong first round in the National Basketball League (NBL) with a 72-57 victory over UCU Canons, while JT Lady Jaguars underlined their dominance in the women’s division.
The Oilers completed the first round with 10 wins in 11 games, collecting 21 points, level with Namuwongo Blazers but finishing top on performance metrics.
In Sunday’s clash, the Oilers overcame a slow start before taking control in the final quarter, outscoring the Canons 26-12.
Joel Kayiira starred with 19 points and 16 rebounds, while Edgar Munaba added 14 points and Malual Dier contributed 12.
Despite Jimmy Otim’s 20-point effort, the Canons struggled with efficiency, shooting just 37 per cent and committing 22 turnovers to finish seventh on the table.
Blazers, Saints Stay in Contention
Defending champions Namuwongo Blazers sit second with an identical 10-1 record and the league’s best scoring margin (+219), having scored 866 points and conceded 647.
Rezlife Saints occupy third place with a 9-2 record, continuing to impress with balanced play in both offence and defence.
KCCA Panthers are fourth (7-4), though high turnover rates remain a concern, while Sommet BC complete the top five with a 6-5 record.
Matchday Results (Sunday)
Men
City Oilers 72-57 UCU Canons
Rezlife Saints 63-55 JT Jaguars
Women
JT Lady Jaguars 80-22 Angels
Nabisunsa Girls 59-49 Pearl Queens
Lady Jaguars Set the Pace
In the women’s division, JT Lady Jaguars delivered one of the most dominant performances of the season, crushing Angels Basketball Club 80-22 at YMCA Court.
The Jaguars established control early with a 21-4 first quarter and held Angels to just one point in the second quarter.
Priscillar Nambogo led the scoring with 15 points, supported by Brenda Kayaga, Shakirah Nanvubya, and Mercy Batamuliza, all reaching double figures.
The win secured Lady Jaguars top spot with 21 points, having scored 768 points and conceded only 456—the best defensive record in the league.
In other fixtures, Nabisunsa Girls stunned Pearl Queens 59-49, with Martha Yikuru and Joyce Auma each scoring 16 points.
UCU Lady Canons sit second, followed by KCCA Leopards in third, while defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins are fourth despite leading in scoring.
The conclusion of the first round highlights a tight contest at the top of the men’s league between Oilers and Blazers, while Lady Jaguars have emerged as the dominant force in the women’s competition.
With the second round approaching, consistency and squad depth are expected to play a decisive role in the title races.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
