Blazers and Oilers look to finish first round strong as NBL season heats up

The first round of the National Basketball League will conclude this weekend with games on Friday and Sunday, as title contenders Namuwongo Blazers and City Oilers look to finish strongly.

Namuwongo Blazers will aim to end the first round on a high when they face UCU Canons, while City Oilers are targeting an unbeaten run as they take on Rezlife Saints on Friday.

Blazers have won nine of their ten games this season, underlining their dominance. Their recent form includes convincing victories over Sommet BC, Kampala Rockets, UPDF Tomahawks, Rezlife Saints, and JKL Dolphins.

"We want to finish the first round strong and keep our momentum going. The team is focused, we are working hard, and every player understands the responsibility to deliver," said Ivan Muhwezi.

The Blazers currently lead the standings with 19 points, and a win against UCU Canons would cement their position at the top. However, a loss could open the door for City Oilers to overtake them, depending on other results. UCU Canons, who are seventh, will also be fighting to finish in a better position, and a win could push them closer to the top five.

City Oilers, on the other hand, have been perfect so far, winning all nine games they have played this season. Their latest victories have come against Victoria Crocs, UMU Flames, JT Jaguars, and JKL Dolphins.

"We want to finish the first round unbeaten. It will not be easy, but the team is ready to stay focused, disciplined, and execute our game plan to maintain our winning run," said Edgar Munaba.

The Oilers sit second with 18 points but have a game in hand over the Blazers. A win against Rezlife Saints on Friday and against UCU Canons on Sunday would see them finish the round unbeaten and potentially move to the top of the table. However, defeat could see them drop points and allow the chasing pack, including KCCA Panthers, to close the gap.

Rezlife Saints, currently fifth with 16 points, remain in contention for a top-four finish. A win against the Oilers would significantly boost their standing, while a loss could see them remain outside the top bracket.

Sunday fixtures will see JT Jaguars face Rezlife Saints.

Women's League

In the women's league, key games on Sunday at Lugogo Arena will see Pearl Queens take on Nabisunsa, while Angels face JT Lady Jaguars.

Table leaders UCU Lady Canons are in a strong position with 21 points, followed by KCCA Leopards and JKL Lady Dolphins. JT Lady Jaguars, who have nine wins in ten games, could move higher with a win, while teams like Pearl Queens and Angels are battling to improve their standings.

Midweek results

Midweek results saw defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins struggle as they fell 72-55 to UPDF Lady Tomahawks. Stella Maris Lunkuse scored 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead UPDF, while Tamasha Nsubuga scored 21 points for JKL in a losing effort.

Angels Basketball Club registered their first win of the season after edging Nabisunsa 73-72 in a tightly contested game at Jaguars Den in Kira. Joan Namatovu and Angel Akuwei Mabor each scored 15 points to guide Angels, while Melissa Kisakye led Nabisunsa with 22 points.

In the men's games, UPDF Tomahawks defeated JKL Dolphins 70-62 at YMCA Kampala, with Godwin Muhamireho scoring 14 points and Joel Icuma adding 10 points and eight rebounds. Kenneth Mesho stood out for JKL with 12 points and 17 rebounds.

UCU Canons recorded a dominant 82-52 victory over Kampala Rockets. Jude Onyango and Solomon Olara led the scoring for the Canons, who showed strong defence and control throughout the game.