UCU hands City Oilers sixth loss; KIU Rangers shine despite thin squad
The Oilers were hampered by 22 turnovers and struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 8 of 36 three-point attempts.
UCU's Flore Dushime (center) goes for the basket past City Oilers' Edgar Munaba (left), Fayed Bbaale and Ben Komakech during an NBL match at YMCA. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Chrispus Baluku
Journalist @New Vision
National Basketball League
Friday, May 16 (YMCA Wandegeya)
KIU Rangers 76 Nabisunsa 55
UCU Canons 79 City Oilers 62
The City Oilers concluded the first round of the 2025 National Basketball League on a disappointing note, falling 79-62 to the UCU Canons on Friday night at the YMCA Court in Wandegeya.
The game began on an even keel, with both teams tied 16-16 after the opening quarter.
However, UCU began to pull away in the second, taking a 34-29 lead into halftime. From that point on, they maintained control and never relinquished their advantage.
The Oilers were hampered by 22 turnovers and struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 8 of 36 three-point attempts.
Ben Komakech led the Oilers with 17 points, while Edgar Munaaba contributed 13. No other Oilers player reached double figures, and even star guard Fayed Baale managed just six points.
UCU, on the other hand, played a composed and disciplined game. Joel Kayiira stood out with a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. He received strong support from Flore Dushime (13 points) and Alier Perch (12 points).
The defeat marked the Oilers' sixth loss in 11 games—a concerning trend for a team that has clinched the league title ten times. They have now suffered defeats against the Nam Blazers, JT Jaguars, KCCA Panthers, JKL Dolphins, Kampala Rockets, and the UCU Canons.
UCU Canons' Chiedozie Raluchukwu (left) and Kayiira Joel (center) fight for a rebound wth City Oilers Bolton Rujumba during an NBL match at YMCA, May 16, 2025. UCU Canons won 79-62. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
UCU improved to a 6-4 record and will aim to end the first round on a high note when they face the JT Jaguars next Wednesday.
KIU Rangers Outlast Nabisunsa Despite Short Roster
In the women’s division, the KIU Rangers delivered a resilient performance with just six players, defeating Nabisunsa Girls 76-55 on the same night at YMCA Court.
The Rangers came out strong, edging Nabisunsa 26-23 in the first quarter and extending their lead to 45-31 by halftime, capped by a layup from Sharon Kirabo.
Nabisunsa's Joy Auma beats KIU Rangers Alado Patricia to a rebound during an NBL match at YMCA, May 16, 2025. UCU KIU Rangers won 76-55. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Nabisunsa mounted a brief comeback in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to 11 points (58-47), but KIU held their ground. A timely three-pointer by Abifaith Musimenta in the closing minutes helped seal the 21-point victory.
Kirabo was the standout performer, finishing with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Ines Kanyamuneza added 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Leticia Awor chipped in with 11 points and 7 rebounds.
For Nabisunsa, Abigail Mpoza had 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Joy Auma also scored 16 points and collected 14 rebounds, with Martha Yikiru contributing 11 points and 10 rebounds.