Otieno leads Saints revival after slow second-round start
After edging a tight first half 34–27, the Saints took control in the third quarter with a 20–10 run to open up a 17-point lead, which they maintained to the end.
Rezlife Saints' Michael Otieno navigates his way to the hoop in the match against the Victoria University Crocs at Lugogo. (Courtesy photo)
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Michael Otieno scored a game-high 20 points as Rezlife Saints defeated Victoria University Crocs 79–57 in the National Basketball League at Lugogo Arena, securing their first victory of the second round.
“We played with good energy and focus from the start to the end. After our previous losses, we needed to respond as a team, stay united, defend better and execute our plan. This win shows our progress and determination to keep improving,” Otieno said.
Rezlife Saints had recently lost to City Oilers and UCU Canons, making for a slow start to the second round.
After edging a tight first half 34–27, the Saints took control in the third quarter with a 20–10 run to open up a 17-point lead, which they maintained to the end.
“The third quarter was key for us. We increased our intensity and controlled the game better on both ends,” Otieno added.
For Victoria Crocs, Deng Gai scored 12 points, while Aaron John Eboyu and Chuol Nyuot added 10 points each.
The result sees Rezlife Saints complete a double over Victoria Crocs, having also won the first-round meeting 75–59. It marks the Saints’ 10th victory of the season.
Meanwhile, UCU Canons edged JT Jaguars 68–65 in a closely contested game. Ian Lubwama led the Jaguars with 19 points, while Marvin Jesse Okurut and Daniel Muganzi scored 13 points each for Canons in a late push.
In the women’s action, KCCA Leopards forfeited their game against Miracle Eaglets after failing to resolve a pre-game jersey colour clash. The game did not tip off after KCCA failed to change from red kits within the required time under FUBA regulations.
Elsewhere in Friday's action, Pearl Queens defeated UPDF Lady Tomahawks 73–47. Djeneba Ballo led with 15 points and six assists, while Maria Awidi top-scored for UPDF with 18 points.
On Saturday, Sommet beat Kampala Rockets 80–67, with Peter Cheng delivering a standout performance of 31 points and 11 rebounds, while Edward Mugabo led Rockets with 21 points.
JKL Dolphins edged KCCA Panthers 56–52 in another close encounter. Kenneth Mesho impressed with 17 rebounds, while Haron Alinaitwe and Ichut Agok Ring scored 13 points each for JKL.
Namuwongo Blazers defeated UMU Flames 66–46. Peter Obleng led Blazers with 18 points, while Gatwech Koang Wankoak top-scored for UMU Flames with 15 points.
In the women’s games, Magic Stormers edged JT Lady Jaguars 47–46 in a tense finish. Joy Nekesa Mupalia led Stormers with 18 points, while Sarah Ageno recorded nine points and 15 rebounds for Jaguars.
UCU Lady Canons defeated Victoria Crocs 50–39. Francine Tshimanga and Vanessa Nakalembe contributed five and seven points, respectively, but UCU controlled the game from start to finish.
National Basketball League
Friday (Lugogo Arena)
Men
Saints 79 Crocs 57
Canons 68 Jaguars 65
Women
Queens 73 Lady Tomahawks 47
Eaglets 20 Leopards 0 (Walkover)
Saturday (ABJA Park)
Men
Sommet 80 Rockets 67
Dolphins 56 Panthers 52
Blazers 66 Flames 46
Women
Lady Jaguars 46 Stormers 47
Lady Canons 50 She Crocs 39