Obleng confident as Blazers prepare for high-stakes clash with Victoria Crocs

Namuwongo Blazers forward Peter Obleng is brimming with confidence ahead of his team’s National Basketball League (NBL) showdown against Victoria Crocs on Sunday at Lugogo Arena.

“We are focused and want to keep building our momentum. Every game is important and we aim to finish strong,” Obleng said.

Obleng was the standout performer for the Blazers in their last outing, a dominant 91–61 victory over UMU Flames at ABJA Park in Naalya.

Coming off the bench, he exploded for 21 points on an efficient 61 percent shooting from the field, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. He also hauled in four offensive and four defensive rebounds, dished out three assists, and committed just one turnover.

Fellow key contributor Nyembo Fataki added 16 points and seven rebounds, while the Blazers’ bench collectively poured in 53 points, underscoring the team’s impressive depth.

“Coming off the bench and delivering for my team is always special. I just focus on taking the right shots and helping us win,” Obleng added.

The Victoria Crocs have enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning five of their first six games. They have scored 412 points while conceding 366, boasting a healthy +46 point differential. Their sole loss came at the hands of RezLife Saints, but they have since rebounded with a hard-fought 61–58 win over Sommet BC and a commanding 75–57 victory against UMU Flames.

Key players for the Crocs include Chuol Nyout, who leads the team in rebounds and efficiency; Mark Ngobi, the team’s top scorer with 93 points; and consistent contributors Erick Komagum and Blessed Cerdic Alema.

“The Crocs are a tough team. They can play at home and away, and they mix defense with good attack. We must stay sharp and take our chances,” Obleng said. “Our team has depth, and everyone knows their role. If we all perform, we can challenge any top team in this league.”

A victory for Namuwongo would lift them to seven points and potentially move them up to 10th place in the men’s standings, depending on other results. A loss would leave them on five points in 11th place, putting them at risk of being overtaken by lower-ranked teams.

For Victoria Crocs, a win would keep them near the top of the table with 12 points, while a loss could tighten the race with chasing teams like Sommet BC and RezLife Saints.

Other men’s fixtures on Sunday include KCCA Panthers taking on the unbeaten City Oilers, and JT Jaguars facing Sommet BC.

In the women’s league, Angels will tip off the day against Pearl Queens. Angels will be eager to snap their losing streak, while Pearl Queens aim to solidify their mid-table position. Later, UCU Lady Canons face Miracle Eaglets as they look to continue their winning form.

Saturday’s action featured women’s games between JKL Lady Dolphins and Angels, KCCA Leopards and UPDF Lady Tomahawks, and JT Lady Jaguars against Nabisunsa. On the men’s side, JKL Dolphins faced UMU Flames, while Victoria Croks played UCU Canons.

National Basketball League

Saturday 14th (UCU Mukono)

Women

JKL Lady Dolphins v Angels 10am
KCCA Leopards v UPDF Lady Tomahawks 12pm
JT Lady Jaguars v Nabisunsa 2pm

Men

JKL Dolphins v UMU Flames 4pm
Victoria Crocs v UCU Canons 6pm

Sunday 15th (Lugogo Arena)

Women

Angels v Pearl Queens 10AM
UCU Lady Canons v Miracle Eaglets 12pm

Men
KCCA Panthers v City Oilers 2pm

JT Jaguars v Sommet BC 4pm

Namuwongo Blazers v Victoria Crocs  6pm