Sports
Rezlife Saints prove they belong among Uganda's basketball elite
Sunday's 69-61 victory over Sommet in the decisive quarterfinal at Lugogo was more than just another play-off win.
Rezlife's star guard Edrine Ekau scored a team-high 17 points. (Courtesy Photo)
By: Chrispus Baluku, Journalist @New Vision
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National Basketball League semifinals
Game One (Wednesday, Lugogo Arena)
Lady Canons v Leopards 7pm
Blazers v Canons 9pm
Friday (Lugogo Arena)
Lady Jaguars v Stormers 7pm
Oilers v Saints 9pm
Rezlife Saints' rise to the National Basketball League semifinals has proved they are no longer a team making up the numbers but a genuine force capable of challenging Uganda's basketball heavyweights.
Sunday's 69-61 victory over Sommet in the decisive quarterfinal at Lugogo was more than just another play-off win. It completed one of the biggest turnarounds in recent National Basketball League seasons, with the Saints climbing from an eighth-place finish and a first-round exit in 2025 to third place in this year's regular season before reaching their first-ever semifinal.
Guard Edrine Ekau, who scored a team-high 17 points, believes the club has finally earned the respect it deserves after months of hard work.
"This victory means everything because we have worked for it since preseason. We stayed together, trusted each other and showed we can compete with the best teams in Uganda," Ekau said.
The Saints did not rely on their offence alone. Instead, they produced a disciplined defensive display when it mattered most.
After Mathew Kisakye's lay-up gave Sommet a five-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, Rezlife responded through Hon Kwany's three-pointer before Ekau calmly made two free throws to level the score at 61-61.
From that point, Rezlife held Sommet scoreless for the remainder of the game, dominated the rebounds 45-40 and capitalised on Sommet's 20 turnovers to seal the series.
That defensive resilience suggests Rezlife's progress has been built on teamwork rather than individual brilliance.
"Nobody panicked. We trusted our defence, communicated well and waited patiently for the right opportunities to finish the game strongly," he said.
Guard Edrine Ekau, who scored a team-high 17 points, believes the club has finally earned the respect it deserves after months of hard work.
"This victory means everything because we have worked for it since preseason. We stayed together, trusted each other and showed we can compete with the best teams in Uganda," Ekau said.
The Saints did not rely on their offence alone. Instead, they produced a disciplined defensive display when it mattered most.
After Mathew Kisakye's lay-up gave Sommet a five-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, Rezlife responded through Hon Kwany's three-pointer before Ekau calmly made two free throws to level the score at 61-61.
From that point, Rezlife held Sommet scoreless for the remainder of the game, dominated the rebounds 45-40 and capitalised on Sommet's 20 turnovers to seal the series.
That defensive resilience suggests Rezlife's progress has been built on teamwork rather than individual brilliance.
"Nobody panicked. We trusted our defence, communicated well and waited patiently for the right opportunities to finish the game strongly," he said.
Michael Otieno added 13 points, while Chris Omanye contributed 10. Kisakye finished with a game-high 20 points for Sommet, but his efforts were not enough to keep his side's season alive.
The Saints now face their biggest test yet against multiple champions City Oilers in a best-of-five semifinal series.
Although the Oilers remain favourites because of their experience, Rezlife have already shown they can no longer be dismissed as underdogs. They were among the teams to defeat the Oilers during the regular season, adding extra intrigue to the contest.
Ekau believes his side is ready for the challenge.
"City Oilers deserve respect because of their experience, but we have earned our place. We shall prepare harder, stay disciplined and fight for every possession together," he said.
The National Basketball League semifinals tip off on Wednesday at Lugogo Arena.
The men's action opens with a repeat of last season's semifinal as UCU Canons face Namuwongo Blazers in Game One. The Blazers eliminated the Canons at the same stage last year.
On Friday, City Oilers begin their semifinal campaign against the fast-rising Rezlife Saints in Game One.
In the women's semifinals, JT Lady Jaguars take on Magic Stormers, while UCU Lady Canons face KCCA Leopards in the other best-of-five series.
The winners of the two men's and women's semifinal series will advance to the 2026 National Basketball League finals.
The Saints now face their biggest test yet against multiple champions City Oilers in a best-of-five semifinal series.
Although the Oilers remain favourites because of their experience, Rezlife have already shown they can no longer be dismissed as underdogs. They were among the teams to defeat the Oilers during the regular season, adding extra intrigue to the contest.
Ekau believes his side is ready for the challenge.
"City Oilers deserve respect because of their experience, but we have earned our place. We shall prepare harder, stay disciplined and fight for every possession together," he said.
The National Basketball League semifinals tip off on Wednesday at Lugogo Arena.
The men's action opens with a repeat of last season's semifinal as UCU Canons face Namuwongo Blazers in Game One. The Blazers eliminated the Canons at the same stage last year.
On Friday, City Oilers begin their semifinal campaign against the fast-rising Rezlife Saints in Game One.
In the women's semifinals, JT Lady Jaguars take on Magic Stormers, while UCU Lady Canons face KCCA Leopards in the other best-of-five series.
The winners of the two men's and women's semifinal series will advance to the 2026 National Basketball League finals.