Rezlife Saints end City Oilers' unbeaten run with dominant 62-48 victory

Rezlife Saints handed City Oilers their first loss of the National Basketball League season with a commanding 62-48 win at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday.

Edrine Ekau led the way with a game-high 25 points, while Hon Kwany added 11. Michael Otieno recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

"I stayed focused and trusted my teammates throughout the game. We knew it would be tough against an unbeaten side, but we remained patient, defended well, and took our chances when they came," Ekau said.

The Oilers started brightly, with Fayed Baale hitting an early three-pointer. However, Otieno responded with a fadeaway jumper as the Oilers took a 14-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Saints improved defensively in the second quarter and stayed close. Ekau leveled the game at 30-30 from the free-throw line heading into halftime.

The third quarter remained balanced, with both teams matching each other point for point to enter the final frame tied at 46-46.

In the fourth quarter, the Saints took full control, scoring 16 unanswered points as the Oilers struggled offensively. Maluel Dier scored late, but it had no impact on the result.

"We showed character in the final quarter, played strong defence, and executed our game plan well. This win gives us confidence and shows we can compete with the best teams this season," Ekau added.

The Saints now have eight wins this season, with their only losses coming against Sommet and the Namuwongo Blazers. Dier led the Oilers with 10 points, while Joel Kayiira also registered a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Namuwongo Blazers Close First Round in Style

Meanwhile, the Namuwongo Blazers defeated JT Jaguars 82-62 to close the first round in style.

The Jaguars started strongly, leading 15-11 early, but the Blazers responded with six three-pointers to take a 20-19 first-quarter lead. Namuwongo tightened their defence in the second quarter to lead 39-35 at halftime.

The game turned in the third quarter as the Blazers forced turnovers and stretched the lead to 67-45.

Fataki Nyembo led the Blazers with 19 points, while Ivan Muhwezi added 16 in a dominant team performance.

National Basketball League

Friday 10th (Lugogo)

Saints 62 Oilers 48
Blazers 82 Jaguars 62

Sunday 12th (Lugogo)

Women

Queens v Nabisunsa 12pm

Angels v Lady Jaguars 2pm

Men

Jaguars v Saints 4pm

Oilers v Canons 6pm