Kampala, Uganda: Defending champions Namuwongo Blazers made the perfect start to their title defence after defeating City Oilers 73-67 in Game One of the 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) Men’s Finals at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Wednesday.
The victory gives the Blazers a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series ahead of Game Two, scheduled for Friday at the same venue.
Namuwongo set the tone early, dominating the opening quarter and taking a 25-14 lead after Tonny Drileba drained a buzzer-beating three-pointer to hand the defending champions an 11-point advantage.
The contest grew increasingly physical in the second quarter, with both teams battling for every possession. However, Drileba once again struck from long range on the buzzer to restore Namuwongo’s double-digit cushion as the Blazers went into halftime leading 39-29.
City Oilers responded strongly after the break and raised the intensity, but the Blazers matched their rivals basket for basket to maintain an 11-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
The Oilers threatened a comeback late in the game, reducing the deficit to 66-60 with 2:27 remaining after Germaine Roebuck completed a driving layup.
But just as momentum appeared to be swinging, Drileba responded with another timely three-pointer to halt the rally before the Blazers closed out the contest to secure the opening game of the series.
Nyembo Fataki led the Blazers with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Drileba produced an outstanding all-round display with 16 points and nine assists, including three crucial buzzer-beating and momentum-shifting three-pointers.
Innocent Ochera also made a significant contribution with 15 points.
For City Oilers, Patrick Rembert finished as the game’s leading scorer with 28 points, while Germaine Roebuck dominated the boards with 14 rebounds. Landry Ndikumana added 12 rebounds in a strong defensive effort.
Road to the finals
Namuwongo Blazers entered the championship series after finishing top of the regular season standings before sweeping both JT Jaguars and UCU Canons in the playoffs.
City Oilers also enjoyed a dominant postseason run, finishing second during the regular season before recording 3-0 semifinal victories over KCCA Panthers and Rezlife Saints to book their place in the finals.
Despite the opening victory, the Blazers continue to miss Cameroonian forward Kevin Nyemeck Leonel, who returned home before the finals. The club has not yet provided an update regarding his absence.
Meanwhile, the NBL Women’s Finals lineup remains incomplete as JT Lady Jaguars await the winner of the postponed semifinal series between UCU Lady Canons and KCCA Leopards.
Game Two of the men’s finals will be played on Friday at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, with City Oilers seeking to level the series and Namuwongo aiming to extend their advantage.
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