The Lugogo Indoor Arena hosts two high level National Basketball League clashes tonight, both live on NBS Sport, initiating fans to a thrilling weekend of basketball that continues tomorrow at UCU Mukono and returns to Lugogo on Sunday.
Tonight’s action begins at 7:00 PM with the women’s matchup between the unbeaten UCU Lady Canons and newcomers Pearl Queens.
The Lady Canons arrive for the clash as the only remaining unbeaten team in the women’s league, boasting a flawless 5-0 record and 10 points, and sitting fifth in the standings.
They have dominated opponents, delivering strong victories over bottom-placed Angels, Magic Stormers, league-leading KCCA Leopards, second-placed Victoria She Crocs, and KIU Rangers.
Martina Anyango leads their charge with 65 points and 56 rebounds, averaging 13.0 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, while Mariam Namukwaya adds 44 points at 8.8 per game, and Shillah Lamunu directs the attack with a team-high 16 assists.
Their balanced scoring and defensive strength make them clear favourites coming into this tie, though they cannot take anything for granted.
In their way stands Pearl Queens, who are enjoying a promising debut season in the top flight, and hold a 3-3 record, which sees them sit sixth place on the log.
The Queens arrive fresh from a hard-fought 43-41 win over Magic Stormers, with Nigerian forward Jane Chisom Iriele being their standout performer in that game with a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, and team-high 60 points and 46 rebounds so far this season.
Congolese scorer Rosiana Mungwapa Mpokfuri has also contributed 40 points so far, and her offensive output could be key if they are to spring an upset against the Canons.
After the ladies game, attention will then shift to the 9:00 PM men’s clash that pits the so far undefeated, 10-time champions City Oilers against league-leading Sommet BC.
The Oilers have not played since February 15, when they demolished Kampala Rockets 80-43 after earlier convincing wins over defending champions Namuwongo Blazers 74-65 and UPDF Tomahawks 76-57.
A month-long break followed as key players Fayed Baale, Joel Kayira, Titus Lual Odeke, Edgar Munaba, and Joel “Banza” Lukoji represented Uganda and DR Congo in the FIBA AfroBasket World Cup Qualifiers.
Tonight’s clash will test whether rust has set in since or if they’ll start from where they stopped.
Led by scorers Baale, Landry Ndikumana, Kayira, and Banza, the Oilers’ experience and talent make them dangerous despite the layoff. Now back on the paint tonight, the presence of that scoring talent make them formidable despite the layoff.
Sommet BC, on the other hand enter the game riding high after an impressive 83-73 victory over previously unbeaten Rezlife Saints.
John Focus Teko led with 16 points and 6 rebounds, Nkulu Kasenya added 15 points, and Peter Cheng scored 12, while Joseph Chuma and Karabana Diaw each grabbed 8 rebounds, and point guards Emilagba Abolahji Abdulahi and Andrew Sendawula combined for 19 points and 13 assists.
Their confidence coming into the game, coupled up with balanced team effort and rebounding could challenge the Oilers’ star power.
Meanwhile, actiom continues tomorrow, Saturday March 14, as the league makes its first appearance this season at UCU Mukono with a full slate of games, including JKL Lady Dolphins taking on Angels at 10:00 AM in a David vs Goliath clash.
On Sunday March 15 the action returns to Lugogo Indoor Arena, with four games, two of which will live on NBS Sport.
One of the live clashes pits Sommet against JT Jaguars, with the Jaguars entering the game on the back of a mixed start of two wins and two losses and still reflecting on Wednesday’s narrow 75-74 defeat to UPDF Tomahawks, while the final broadcast will see Namuwongo Blazers face Victoria Crocs.
Namuwongo carry confidence from a dominant 92-61 victory against UMU Flames where Peter Obleng shone with 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists, although the Crocs, who have won five of their six games this season, present a stern challenge.
