City Oilers end first round on top after beating UCU Canons

National Basketball League

Sunday 12th

Oilers 72 Canons 57

Jaguars 55 Saints 63 

Record champions City Oilers Basketball Club ended the first round of the 2026 National Basketball League on top after beating UCU Canons 72-57 on Sunday.

Assistant coach Ben Komakech hailed the team’s effort in reaching the summit.

“We are happy to finish top of the first round because the boys showed discipline and consistency. This is just the beginning, and we must stay focused for the next phase,” Komakech said.

The Oilers won 10 of their 11 games to collect 21 points, level with second-placed Namuwongo Blazers but finishing ahead on tiebreakers. They scored 783 points and conceded 614.

In Sunday’s game, the Oilers turned things around after a slow start, dominating the fourth quarter 26-12 to seal victory. Joel Kayiira led the way with 19 points and 16 rebounds, while Edgar Munaba added 14 points and Malual Dier chipped in with 12.

Komakech said the team’s improvement comes from lessons learned last season.

“Last season was tough for us, finishing seventh in the first round, but we worked hard to rebuild the team and improve fitness. Now the players understand our system better going into the second round,” he added.

UCU Canons finished seventh with five wins and six losses. Jimmy Otim scored 20 points in the loss, but the team shot 37 percent (20-54), had 38 rebounds, and committed 22 turnovers. They must improve efficiency and ball control.

First-round standings and analysis

Defending champions Namuwongo Blazers are second with 10 wins and one loss, boasting the best scoring margin (+219). They lead the league with 866 points scored and only 647 conceded. Their shooting stands at about 40.7 percent compared to 32.6 percent for opponents. They must maintain this high level.

Rezlife Saints are third with nine wins and two losses. They have scored 782 points and conceded 681, shooting around 38 percent. Their balance in attack, transition play, and paint scoring keeps them competitive.

KCCA Panthers sit fourth with seven wins and four losses. They have scored 719 and conceded 716, showing how tight their games are. However, they average about 23.5 turnovers per game, which remains their biggest weakness.

Sommet BC are fifth with six wins and five losses. They have scored 748 and conceded 736 (+12), showing slight offensive strength, but need consistency to move higher.

JT Jaguars are sixth with five wins and six losses. They have scored 690 and conceded 715 (-25). Despite good individual performances, their defence remains a concern.

Victoria Crocs are eighth with five wins and six losses, scoring 724 and conceding 750 (-26). Their negative goal difference highlights defensive struggles.

UPDF Tomahawks are ninth with three wins and eight losses. They have scored 687 but conceded 789 (-102), showing major defensive gaps and rebounding issues.

At the bottom, JKL Dolphins, UMU Flames, and Kampala Rockets all have two wins and nine losses. JKL have scored 598 and conceded 729 (-131). UMU Flames have scored 682 but conceded 789 (-107), shooting only 29.3 percent while allowing opponents 37.8 percent. Kampala Rockets have the worst defence, conceding 801 points (-143).

Overall league statistics show a strong top three and a competitive middle pack. The Blazers lead in scoring, efficiency, fast breaks, and paint dominance. The Oilers remain consistent with balanced numbers in scoring, defence, rebounding, and game control.

The Saints stand out for balance, while the Panthers struggle with turnovers. The Canons and UPDF Tomahawks show promise but lack consistency, and UMU Flames continue to struggle on both ends.