Sommet coach hails gritty defence after narrow win over Namuwongo Blazers

National Basketball League 

Friday 4th 
KIU Rangers 64 Lady Canons 57
Blazers 70 Sommet 73

Sommet Basketball Club head coach Albert Aciko praised his team’s defensive grit and composure following a narrow 73–70 win over the Namuwongo Blazers in Friday night’s National Basketball League (NBL) clash at YMCA Wandegeya.

“The boys played great—especially on defense. That’s why we beat Namuwongo,” said Coach Aciko. “I told them to stay aggressive and take care of the ball. That’s the mindset we need heading into the playoffs.”

Aciko emphasized the importance of attitude and discipline as Sommet, one of the league's newest teams, continues to prove it belongs among the elite.

“We’re a new team, but we’re showing we belong here. We need to keep working, stay focused, and treat every game like it matters,” he added.

The win lifts Sommet to fifth place in the standings with an 11–7 record, snapping Namuwongo’s three-game winning streak. The tightly contested game showcased Sommet’s growing maturity, especially in clutch moments.

With the score tied at 51 heading into the final quarter, Sommet kept their composure. Peter Cheng Malek and Frank Nyembo delivered crucial free throws, while the team tightened up defensively to outscore the Blazers 22–19 in the final frame.

Sommet started strong, dominating the first quarter 23–10. But the Blazers, led by veterans Moses Mugisha and James Okello, mounted a comeback to take a narrow 36–35 halftime lead. The third quarter remained even, setting up a tense finish.

Andrew Sendaula led Sommet with 17 points and six rebounds. Peter Cheng had a standout performance with 15 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, while Nyembo chipped in with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.

Namuwongo was paced by Okello and Mugisha, each scoring 16 points. Okello also hauled in 14 rebounds, while Arthur Wanyoto contributed a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. Peter Obleng added 10 points off the bench.

Despite the loss, Namuwongo remains top of the NBL standings but will need to bounce back quickly as the playoffs approach. Their ultimate target remains winning the championship and securing a place in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

In the women’s division, the KIU Rangers boosted their playoff hopes with a hard-fought 64–57 win over the UCU Lady Canons.