Otieno triple-double powers Saints past Rockets

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National Basketball League 

Saturday (YMCA)

Men: Rezlife Saints 73 Kampala Rockets 57

Women

JKL Lady Dolphins 78 Nabisunsa Girls 69

Victoria She Crocs 56 Angels 42

JT Lady Jaguars 80 KIU Rangers 47

Friday (Lugogo)

Men: Victoria Crocs 61 Sommet BC 58

Women: KCCA Leopards 73 Magic Stormers 54

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Michael Otieno delivered a triple-double performance to guide Rezlife Saints to a 73–57 victory over Kampala Rockets, extending their unbeaten run in the National Basketball League (NBL) on Saturday.

The Saints captain finished with 20 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds as the Lubowa-based side secured their fifth consecutive win, strengthening their position among the early title contenders this season.

“I’m happy with the performance and the triple-double, but the most important thing is the win. Everyone stepped up tonight, and we played as a team,” said Otieno.

The guard stressed the importance of maintaining momentum as the season progresses.

“We want to stay competitive every game and keep pushing ourselves. The league is tough and we respect every opponent that steps on the court,” he added.

Rezlife Saints set the tone early, dominating the first quarter 23–9 with aggressive defence and quick ball movement that left the Rockets struggling to find rhythm.

“We knew they would come out strong, so our focus was to defend hard and move the ball quickly. When we play our style, it becomes difficult for teams to stop us,” Otieno said.

Kampala Rockets attempted to respond in the second quarter through Toussaint Mampuya and Micheal Ssekibenga, but Saints maintained their composure to head into half-time with a 43–30 lead.

After the break, Rezlife Saints continued to dictate proceedings. Edrine Ekau and Rin Tueny Mabor made key contributions in the third quarter to help stretch the lead to 57–44 heading into the final period.

The Rockets tried to stage a comeback through Mpiya Juf, who controlled the boards, but Saints remained composed down the stretch.

Elvis Ssentongo and Hon Kwany added crucial points in the final quarter to seal the 73–57 victory.

Besides Otieno’s outstanding display, Edrine Ekau scored 15 points, Elvis Ssentongo added 13, while Rin Tueny Mabor contributed 12 points and six rebounds. Duot Ajang anchored the defence with a game-high 14 rebounds.

For Kampala Rockets, Toussaint Mampuya led the scoring with 16 points, while Mpiya Juf registered 12 points and 13 rebounds. Michael Ssekibenga added 10 points.

The victory lifts Rezlife Saints to second place on the NBL men’s table, behind Victoria Crocs.

The Crocs edged Sommet BC 61–58 at YMCA Wandegeya on Friday. Mark Ngobi led the Crocs with 16 points, while Erick Komagum added 12 points. Sommet was paced by Joseph Chuma, who recorded 12 points and 18 rebounds.

In the women’s game, KCCA Leopards defeated Magic Stormers 73–54 on Friday to remain top of the standings. Tracy Namugosa led the Leopards with 23 points, while Ninette Uwineza contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Saturday’s women’s games saw JKL Lady Dolphins defeat Nabisunsa Girls 78–69, with Brenda Ekone scoring a game-high 24 points and Shadia Nassanga adding 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Victoria She Crocs also secured a 56–42 win over Angels, with Vanessa Grace Nakalembe scoring 11 points.

Meanwhile, JT Lady Jaguars dominated KIU Rangers 80–47. Shakirah Nanvubya contributed nine points, while Ines Kanyamuneza led the Rangers with 17 points.