City Oilers, Sommet in strong position after key NBL wins

City Oilers' Edgar Munaba and Sommet's Peter Cheng say their teams are well placed to finish the National Basketball League regular season positively after important wins on Sunday.

Munaba scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds as Oilers defeated JKL Dolphins 85–33, while Cheng contributed 18 points and six rebounds in Sommet's 67–52 victory over KCCA Panthers at Abja Park. The results helped both sides improve their standing as the season enters its decisive phase.

"We came into the game knowing we had to respond well. The coaches prepared us properly, and everyone played their role. When we defend like that, it becomes difficult for any team," Munaba said.

Oilers remain top of the men's table with 38 points from 20 games, ahead of Namuwongo Blazers, who have 36 points from 19 matches.

"We are taking it one game at a time. The focus now is to finish the regular season strongly and build momentum going into the playoffs," he added.

The race at the top remains tight, as Blazers still have games in hand, while third-placed Rezlife Saints (34 points) continue to push for a top-two finish. Fourth-placed KCCA Panthers (32 points) remain in contention, alongside UCU Canons (32 points).

Sommet, in sixth place with 31 points, are not yet guaranteed a playoff spot, with Victoria Crocs (29 points) and JT Jaguars (26 points) also fighting for positioning in the lower playoff zone. At the bottom, JKL Dolphins (25 points), UPDF Tomahawks (24 points), UMU Flames (23 points) and Kampala Rockets (19 points) are all in danger, with Rockets particularly under pressure after a difficult season.

On Wednesday, Oilers face UPDF Tomahawks, while Blazers host Victoria Crocs at Nakivubo. Rezlife Saints take on JT Jaguars, JKL Dolphins meet Kampala Rockets, and Sommet face UMU Flames.

"These games are very important now because every point matters," Cheng said.

Sommet also face City Oilers on Friday in one of their crucial fixtures before the end of the regular season.

"We know every game is important now. We must stay focused and keep winning," Cheng added.

Women's standings

In the women's division, JT Lady Jaguars lead the standings with 38 points, followed by UCU Lady Canons on 36 points. KCCA Leopards (31 points) remain in the top-three race, while Magic Stormers (31 points), KIU Rangers (29 points), Pearl Queens (29 points), UPDF Lady Tomahawks (28 points), JKL Lady Dolphins (27 points), Victoria She Crocs (25 points) and Miracle Eaglets (26 points) are all fighting for playoff positions in a tight mid-table battle.

At the bottom, Angels (23 points) and Nabisunsa Girls (21 points) remain in danger, both fighting to avoid finishing last.

Upcoming women's fixtures include Pearl Queens vs. Victoria She Crocs, KIU Rangers vs. JT Lady Jaguars, UPDF Lady Tomahawks vs. KCCA Leopards, and Angels vs. Nabisunsa Girls, all of which could reshape the playoff race.

National Basketball League

Results

Men
Oilers 85 Dolphins 33
Sommet 67 Panthers 52

Women
She Crocs 76 Nabisunsa 61
Stormers 65 Lady Dolphins 48
Lady Tomahawks 54 Rangers 50

Wednesday

Rezlife-Lubowa
Women
Rangers v Lady Jaguars (1pm)
Lady Tomahawks v Leopards (3pm)

Men
Flames v Sommet (5pm)
Dolphins v Rockets (7pm)
Saints v Jaguars (9pm)

Nakivubo Court 1

Women
Angels v Nabisunsa Girls (3pm)
Queens v She Crocs (5pm)

Men
Blazers v Crocs (7pm)
Tomahawks v Oilers (9pm)