Rockets Opio shines as Blazers fall again

Brian Opio drained a game-high 22 points as the Kampala Rockets sent the Namuwongo Blazers crashing to a second consecutive National Basketball League (NBL) defeat that raised questions about their title credentials for the first time this season. 

The Blazers had lost 62-61 to the UCU Canons on Friday to snap their 16-game unbeaten start to the season. Two days later, the Rockets inflicted an even more stunning loss. 

Brian Jjuuko’s Rockets triumphed 65-60 after a performance marked by crisp teamwork in the first half and coolheadedness in the clutch.

Gideon Kasasa tallied 14 points, and Mpiya Juf added 10 for the Rockets, who led by as many as 16 in the second quarter. 

As expected, the talented Blazers turned up the heat in the second half to chip away at the Rockets lead. And with 2:11 left, Namuwongo took the lead for the first time since 4:43 in the first quarter after Joel Lukoji completed a three-point play. 

And at that point, it looked like there would only be one winner. And it wasn't the Rockets. Not so fast. 

UCU Lady Canons' Matrina Anyango (center) beats JT Lady Jaguars' Aziida Nabayunga (left) and Mercy Batamuliza during an NBL match at Lugogo, June 29, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Juf and Kasasa nailed two on the line apiece to set the Rockets on the way to a famous win. And Namuwongo to a second straight defeat.

National Basketball League

Women

Angels 43 Nkumba 32

JKL 91 UPDF 65

KCCA 64 Nabisunsa 62

KIU 56 Angels 45

UCU 71 Jaguars 62

Men

Rockets 65 Namuwongo 60

Oilers 75 Rezlife 72

UCU 77 KIU 68

JKL 69 Rockets 55

Rezlife 55 Jaguars 49

KCCA 85 Livingstone 58

UCU 62 Namuwongo 61