Defending NBL champions City Oilers returned to winning ways with a gritty 60-56 victory over Victoria Crocs at Lugogo Indoor Arena, while league leaders Namuwongo Blazers extended their perfect run with a 79-60 triumph over Rezlife Saints in Naalya.
The Oilers, who came into the fixture under mounting pressure after just two wins from six games, showed just enough composure and resilience to see off a spirited Crocs side.
In the game that was live on NBS Sport, Veteran guard Ben Komakech led the charge with 16 points, while Malual Dier and Joseph Chuma added 12 and 11 points respectively.
The victory was a much-needed morale booster for the ten-time champions, whose turbulent season has been marked by inconsistent performances and off-court controversy.
The ongoing fallout with former captain Ivan Muhwezi had cast a long shadow over the team, making Wednesday night’s result all the more vital.
The Crocs, who have impressed in their top-flight debut season, pushed the Oilers all the way and will feel hard done by after failing to convert late opportunities.
The loss drops them to a 4-5 record but their effort proved they are no pushovers in this league.
Meanwhile, at Abja Park in Naalya, the Namuwongo Blazers put on another polished performance to extend their unbeaten record to 10-0.
The 2024 runners-up started slow, trading baskets with Rezlife Saints in the first quarter, which ended 16-15 in their favour.
However, a dominant second quarter saw the Blazers pull away, leading 43-27 at halftime.
Although the Saints mounted a comeback in the third quarter, reducing the gap to just seven points, the Blazers steadied the ship in the final stretch to seal another impressive victory.
Moses Mugisha was the star of the show, finishing with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, shooting an efficient 72% from the field.
His energy and accuracy kept the Saints at bay, while the return of veteran forward James Okello provided defensive solidity and leadership.
Rezlife Saints, now 5-6, will rue missed chances and lapses in defence, especially after showing signs of revival in the third quarter.
For the Blazers, however, it was another demonstration of why they are the favourites to dethrone the Oilers this season.
