Sommet BC delivered a statement performance by sentencing Rezlife Saints to their first defeat of the season in a National Basketball League showdown broadcast live on NBS Sport at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Wednesday night.
The 83-73 victory not only snapped Rezlife’s perfect 5-0 start to the 2026 season but also propelled Sommet to the top of the men’s standings with a 4-3 record after seven games.
Coming into the contest, Rezlife Saints had been the league’s most dominant force, securing convincing wins over UPDF Tomahawks, KCCA Panthers, Victoria Crocs, UMU Flames, and Kampala Rockets.
Their high-powered offense, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Edrine Ekau and Michael Otieno, had produced the league’s best goal difference and an aura of invincibility.
However, Sommet proved a formidable challenge, showcasing resilience and superior execution in the second half and dying minutes to claim a well-deserved upset.
The game started with Sommet setting the tone, jumping out to a 22-17 lead after the first quarter thanks to sharp shooting and solid defense, but Rezlife responded strongly in the second period, outscoring their opponents 28-20 to take a narrow 45-42 halftime advantage.
Ekau was electric throughout, finishing with a game-high 24 points, 4 rebounds, and a game-high 5 assists, while Otieno contributed 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Despite their efforts, Rezlife’s output dwindled in the crucial final stages.
Sommet flipped the script after the break, outscoring the Saints 20-17 in the third quarter and then dominating the fourth with 21 points to Rezlife’s 11.
The Spartans’ balanced attack and rebounding prowess proved decisive, with John Focus Teko leading Sommet with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Nkulu Kasenya added 15 points and Peter Cheng chipped in 12.
Joseph Chuma and Karabana Diaw each grabbed a team-high 8 rebounds, while point guards Emilagba Abolahji Abdulahi (11 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists) and Andrew Sendawula (8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists) orchestrated the attack effectively, highlighting Sommet’s collective effort that neutralized Rezlife’s star power.
Team statistics further underscored Sommet’s superiority, as they shot 42% from the field (33/78) compared to Rezlife’s 34% (23/66), dominated the boards 54-41, dished out 20 assists to 13, and forced 15 turnovers while committing only 12.
Elsewhere on a busy night of NBL action, Nam Blazers delivered a commanding 91-61 win over winless UMU Flames at ABJA Park in Naalya, while UPDF Tomahawks edged JT Jaguars 75-74 in a dramatic finish at the Jaguars Den in Kira.
In the women’s competition, KIU Rangers held off Victoria She Crocs 64-60 in a hard-fought encounter at Lugogo.
JT Lady Jaguars also dominated UPDF Lady Tomahawks with a 73-48 victory in Kira, while KCCA Leopards overwhelmed Miracle Eaglets 75-44 in Naalya, handing the Eaglets their fifth loss in seven games.
