City Oilers grind out tense win amidst growing internal tensions

City Oilers managed to grind out a much-needed 60-56 win over Victoria Crocs on Wednesday night at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, marking their third victory in seven games in the ongoing 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) season. 

The result helped the reigning champions ease some pressure after a rough start, but deeper problems continue to loom within the club.

The Oilers came into the game teetering on the edge of crisis, having lost four of their opening six matches, including a 62-64 overtime heartbreak against JKL Dolphins over the weekend at YMCA.

Wednesday's clash was seen as a must-win, and it didn’t come easy.

Victoria Crocs came out determined, leading 15-13 after the first quarter and keeping a 46-44 advantage going into the final period. 

But the Oilers showed grit and composure in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Crocs 16-10 to snatch a tense win.

Veteran guard Ben Komakech stood out with 16 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Joseph Chuma delivered a strong double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. 

Malual Dier added 12 points and 9 rebounds, with support from Fayed Baale who scored 8 points and dished out 5 assists.

The Oilers also received an important boost from their bench, which contributed 25 points. 

Despite the absence of Rogers Dauna and Titus Lual, who didn’t play, the team showed depth and character to hold off the Crocs.

For the Crocs, Isaac Deng Gai was the only player in double digits, scoring 16 points. It was the fifth loss in nine games for coach Roger Sserunyigo’s Crocs, who struggled to match the Oilers’ experience in the final minutes.

The win pushes City Oilers up to 10th place with 10 points, the same as Sommet, and only ahead of Livingstone and KIU Titans, who remain winless.

However, internal troubles continue to rock the Oilers’ camp off the court.

Former captain Ivan Muhwezi has publicly fallen out with team management, accusing manager Grace Kwizera of misrepresenting the reasons for his departure. 

“I left the team, am just waiting the release. I will tell Vision Sports and let you know my next step,” Muhwezi told Vision Sports.

Muhwezi is currently training with another club and is rumored to be joining the unbeaten Namuwongo Blazers, a move that could further boost the league leaders. 

The fallout adds more tension to an already fragile Oilers environment, raising questions about leadership and unity within the camp.

The oilers will have back to back games over the weekend. On Saturday they will play Livingstone and on take on Sommet Bc on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Kampala Rockets secured a solid 70-61 victory over JKL Dolphins on Wednesday night at the YMCA Court. After a 17-15 in the first quarter, the Rockets flipped the script in the second period, with Joseph Wacha scoring a driving layup to help his side build an eight-point halftime lead.

The game intensified in the second half, requiring medical attention for two JKL Dolphins players due to bleeding injuries.

Despite the physical battle, the Rockets held their ground. Wilson Otwenyo sealed the result with a long-range three-pointer in the final quarter.

Brian Opio led the Rockets with 19 points, followed by Mpiya Juf (14) and Puati Ozias Kikomba (13). Only Wilson Otwenyo scored in double figures for JKL, who now sit 7th, one place above the 8th-placed Rockets.

Meanwhile, Namuwongo Blazers continued their unbeaten run, overpowering Rezlife Saints 79-60.

Returning forward James Okello, back from a one-match suspension and $200 fine following an Easter Monday scuffle, contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds.

Moses Mugisha led the way with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Innocent Ochera added 12.

With the win, the Blazers remain top of the league with 20 points from 10 games, and will next face UCU Canons on Friday at YMCA Wandegeya.

In the women’s games, UCU Lady Canons dominated Nabisunsa Girls 72-52. UCU built a commanding 23-point halftime lead and never looked back.

Martina Anyango led the charge with a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double, supported by Christine Saima and Hajara Najjuko, who each added 11 points. Abigail Mpoza was Nabisunsa’s best performer with 22 points. 

National Basketball League

Wednesday, April 30

Indoor Arena, Lugogo
Lady Dolphins 106 Angels 35
Oilers 60 Crocs 56

Abja Park, Naalya
 Stormers 71 Lady Tomahawks 55
Blazers 79 Rezlife 60

YMCA, Wandegeya
Nabisunsa 52 Lady Canons 72
JKL Dolphins 61Kampala Rockets 70

Friday 2rd May 
YMCA Wandegeya 

Lady Canons vs KCCA leopards( 7:00PM)
UCU Canons vs Blazers (9: 00PM)

Saturday 3rd May 

Miracle Eaglets vs lady Janguars ( 12:00PM)
KIU rangers vs Angels (2:00PM)
KCCA panthers vs JKl Dolphins(4:00PM)
Livingstone vs city Oilers (6:00PM)