Sommet BC Top NBL after downing RezLife, set sights on City Oilers

Wednesday 11th

Men

Sommet BC 83 RezLife Saints 73
Namuwongo Blazers 91 UMU Flames 61
UPDF Tomahawks 75 JT Jaguars 74 (OT)

Friday 13th (Lugogo)

City Oilers v Sommet BC 9pm

Sommet BC head coach Albert Aciko has called on his players to maintain discipline and consistency after their hard-fought 83–73 victory over RezLife Saints in the National Basketball League (NBL) on Wednesday.

The win at Lugogo Arena handed RezLife their first loss of the 2026 season and propelled Sommet to the top of the men's standings with 11 points from seven games.

"We worked on our defense and ball movement. Mistakes would have been costly against a top team like RezLife, but we avoided them. We need to do the same as we face City Oilers," Aciko said.

Coming into the contest, RezLife Saints had been the most dominant team in the league, winning their first five games against UPDF Tomahawks, KCCA Panthers, Victoria Crocs, UMU Flames, and Kampala Rockets. Their attack was led by the duo of Edrine Ekau and Michael Otieno, who had helped the Saints build the best scoring record and goal difference in the league.

However, Sommet rose to the challenge and showed resilience, particularly in the second half, to secure a crucial win.

"We controlled rebounds and shared the ball well. That teamwork helped us break RezLife's rhythm. But consistency is important because we still have very tough games ahead," Aciko emphasized.

Sommet started strongly, taking a 22–17 lead in the first quarter through sharp shooting and solid defense. RezLife responded in the second quarter, outscoring Sommet 28–20 to lead 45–42 at halftime.

Ekau finished with a game-high 24 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Otieno added 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists. However, the Saints struggled in the final stages as Sommet took control.

After the break, Sommet outscored RezLife 20–17 in the third quarter before dominating the fourth quarter 21–11.

John Focus Teko led Sommet with 16 points and six rebounds, while Nkulu Kasenya added 15 points and Peter Cheng contributed 12. Joseph Chuma and Karabana Diaw each grabbed eight rebounds, while point guards Emilagba Abolahji Abdulahi (11 points, seven assists) and Andrew Sendawula (eight points, six assists) directed the team effectively.

Sommet also dominated the statistics, shooting 42 percent from the field compared to RezLife's 34 percent and winning the rebound battle 54–41.

Tough week ahead

Sommet now faces a demanding week with two more key matches. They will take on record champions City Oilers, who remain unbeaten in three games this season.

"This game is about focus and maintaining intensity for all four quarters. We need to build confidence and execute our game plan consistently," Aciko explained.

They will then face JT Jaguars on Sunday at Lugogo Arena. Although Jaguars sit lower in the standings, Aciko warned his team not to underestimate them.

"Every opponent is dangerous in this league. We must avoid complacency and play our system," he added.

Sommet currently sits top with 11 points, but their position remains fragile as several teams have played fewer games. If Sommet wins both matches against City Oilers and JT Jaguars, they will strengthen their lead at the top and improve their chances of staying ahead of rivals like RezLife Saints and Victoria Crocs. If they win one and lose the other, they could still remain among the top three depending on other results. However, losing both games could see Sommet drop several places as teams like Victoria Crocs and City Oilers close the gap.

Aciko believes improving defense and limiting mistakes will be key if his side is to remain among the title contenders.

"Improving our defense, reducing turnovers, and converting scoring chances will be key if we want to stay in contention for the top spots," he said.

Other NBL results

Elsewhere, Namuwongo Blazers recorded a convincing 91–61 victory over UMU Flames at ABJA Park in Naalya. Peter Obleng led the Blazers with 21 points, while Nyembo Fataki added 16 points and seven rebounds.

In another match, UPDF Tomahawks edged JT Jaguars 75–74 in a dramatic overtime game at the Jaguars Den in Kira. Joel Icuma scored 22 points for UPDF, while Vincent Mubiru added 11 points and seven assists.