Victoria Crocs forward Chuol Nyout says side still has room to improve

Victoria Crocs forward Chuol Nyout says his side still has room to improve as they prepare for a tough National Basketball League (NBL) clash against the unbeaten City Oilers on Good Friday at Lugogo Arena.

“We know the Oilers are unbeaten and strong, but we believe in ourselves. We have prepared well, improved in training, and we want to compete, stay focused, and finish the first round strongly,” Nyout said.

The Crocs head into the game with mixed form, having beaten Sommet BC and UMU Flames but lost to JT Jaguars, Namuwongo Blazers, UCU Canons, and most recently fell 83–79 to KCCA Panthers on Wednesday.

“It is our last first-round game, and we want to finish strongly. This is an opportunity to test ourselves against one of the league’s best,” Nyout added.

The Oilers, who are fourth on the table, have won all their seven games this season and remain one of the strongest sides. Their recent victories have come against UMU Flames, JT Jaguars, JKL Dolphins, KCCA Panthers, and Sommet BC.

“They are a very good team and have shown consistency this season, but games are not won on paper. We shall execute our plan and push them all the way,” Nyout said.

Victoria Crocs will rely on Nyout, Deng Gai, Isaac Jioka, and Ethan Shiima, while the Oilers will look to key players such as Landry Ndikumana, Fayed Baale, Joel Lukoji, and Titus Lual.

“We must defend well, control rebounds, and limit their fast breaks. If we stay disciplined, take good shots, and play as a team, we can challenge them and possibly win,” Nyout explained.

The Good Friday fixture will also feature a big women’s game between JKL Lady Dolphins and UCU Lady Canons, both sides among the top performers this season. Other men’s games will see KCCA Panthers face UMU Flames, UCU Canons take on JT Jaguars, and Namuwongo Blazers meet Sommet BC.

Meanwhile, RezLife Saints put up a dominant display to defeat JKL Dolphins 83–59 on Wednesday night at RezLife Grounds in Lubowa. Edrine Ekau led the charge with 24 points, while Hon Kwany and Duot Ajang added 11 points each. The Saints controlled the game from the first quarter, using strong defenCe and quick transitions to take a 24–12 lead and never looked back. JKL struggled with turnovers despite efforts from Hasan Sentamu, who scored 14 points, while Kenneth Mesho registered a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Elsewhere, Namuwongo Blazers beat Kampala Rockets 88–75, while KCCA Panthers edged Victoria Crocs 83–79.

In the women’s games, UCU Lady Canons returned to winning ways with an 80–46 victory over Nabisunsa Girls at Lugogo. Mariam Asacha, Doreen Nakibuuka, and Christine Saima all scored in double figures. Magic Stormers also secured a 68–52 win over Miracle Eaglets, with Kur Ajah recording a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Joy Nekesa Mupalia and Sekuye Ornela added 10 points each. Elsewhere, JKL Lady Dolphins defeated KIU Rangers 68–47.

In the NBL Men 2026 standings, Namuwongo Blazers lead the table after 9 games, winning 8 and losing 1, scoring 702 points and conceding 544. Sommet BC have played 10 games, winning 6 and losing 4, with 707 points scored and 654 conceded. RezLife Saints have 7 wins and 2 losses from 9 games, scoring 657 and conceding 578. City Oilers remain unbeaten with 7 wins from 7 games, scoring 509 and conceding 376. KCCA Panthers have won 5 and lost 4 from 9 games, scoring 558 and conceding 577.

In the NBL Women 2026 standings, KCCA Leopards lead with 9 wins and 2 losses from 11 games, scoring 731 points and conceding 561. JT Lady Jaguars and UCU Lady Canons both have 9 wins and 1 loss from 10 games, with JT scoring 688 and conceding 434, while UCU have scored 607 and conceded 423. JKL Lady Dolphins have 8 wins and 1 loss from 9 games, scoring 698 and conceding 501.

There will be no games on Saturday and Sunday as the basketball fraternity pauses to celebrate Easter.

National Basketball League

Wednesday 1st

Women
Lady Canons 80 Nabisunsa 46
Stormers 68 Eaglets 52
Lady Dolphins 68 Rangers 47

Men
Saints 83 Dolphins 59
Blazers 88 Rockets 75
Panthers 83 Crocs 79

Friday 3rd (Lugogo Arena)

Women
Lady Dolphins v Lady Canons 3PM

Men
Panthers v Flames 1PM
Crocs v Oilers 5PM
Canons v Jaguars 7PM
Blazers v Sommet 9PM