21 March 2025 | Basketball

National Basketball League

• City Oilers 80-81 Nam Blazers
• JKL Lady Dolphins 71-75 JT Lady Jaguars

The 2025 National Basketball League tipped off today as Namuwongo Blazers narrowly defeated defending champions City Oilers 81-80 in a tense and entertaining opener at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

Despite missing key players Titus Lual, Fayed Bbaale, and Ivan Muhwezi, the City Oilers put up a formidable fight, nearly securing victory.

However, a last-second free throw from Mugisha sealed a dramatic win for the Blazers, marking a tough start for the reigning champions.

The game began with City Oilers asserting early dominance closing the first quarter with a 17-10 lead.

However, Nam Blazers adjusted their strategy, implementing a full-court press and man-to-man defence that limited the Oilers to just 17 points in the second quarter. At halftime, the Blazers had closed the gap, trailing by just five points (34-29).

The intensity escalated in the third quarter, with both teams exchanging leads. Allawi Ssenkubuge delivered a crucial buzzer-beating block denying Innocent Ochera a potential game-changing three-pointer. By the end of the quarter, City Oilers clung to a narrow 55-54 advantage.

The final quarter was a rollercoaster, filled with dramatic moments, including Joseph Chuma fouling out with eight minutes remaining. The game reached a deadlock at 80-80 with just eight seconds left, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

With one second on the clock, Mugisha stepped up to the line and calmly sank the decisive free throw, handing Nam Blazers a hard-fought 81-80 victory.

Key Performers

For City Oilers, Ben Komakech (18 points), Edgar Munaaba (12 points), and Joseph Chuma (10 points) led the charge while the Blazers saw Jimmy Enabu (19 points) and Peter Obleng (11 points) as their standout scorers.

In the earlier Women’s games, JT Lady Jaguars too edged an experienced JKL Dolphins side 75-71 to avenge last season’s losses in the playoffs.

The National Basketball League action will continue tomorrow at YMCA in Wandegeya with the following games;

Women

• Angels Vs UPDF Lady Tomahawks – 10AM
• Nabisunsa Vs Miracle Ravens – 12PM
• Nkumba Lady Marines Vs KCCA Leopards – 2PM

Men

• Victoria Crocs Vs Kampala Rockets – 4PM
• Rezlife Saints Vs KCCA Pathners – 6PM

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