The National Basketball League (NBL) is nearing the end of its second round of the 2024 season, with teams fiercely competing to avoid relegation as the playoffs approach. The conclusion of this round will determine which teams advance to the playoffs and which two will be relegated.
Among the relegation-threatened teams are Dmark Power, Livingstone, JKL Dolphins, Kampala Rockets, and Ndejje Angels. The league will retain only ten teams, with eight advancing to the playoffs while two face relegation.
New boys Livingstone sit precariously in 11th place, having won just five of their 18 matches, one point above bottom-placed Ndejje Angels.
“What we planned for did not go well for our end; however, we are dedicated to finishing strong. Our crucial game that will primarily determine our survival from relegation is against JKL Dolphins,” stated Frank Kamoga, manager of the Livingstone club.
Kampala Rockets, another team in danger, managed only one win in the first round but have since improved, securing five wins. They are tied on points with Livingstone but hold a higher position due to superior scoring stats. Their remaining five matches, including a challenging game against current league leaders Namblazers, will be critical to their survival.
Dmark Power, with six wins, have only two games left in the league. To avoid relegation, they must win both and hope other relegation-threatened teams falter.
Similarly, the JKL Dolphins, despite a strong recent performance with three wins in their last five games, including the last two, have four games left. One of these is a pivotal match against fellow strugglers Livingstone.
In the women’s division, teams like Nabisunsa, YMCA Lady Hamsters, and Kampala University are also fighting to avoid relegation.
Kampala University has yet to secure a win this season, facing a daunting challenge. YMCA Lady Hamsters, having registered a walkover, are similarly on the brink of relegation.
Nabisunsa’s fate hinges on their match against YMCA Lady Hamsters, with a victory potentially ensuring their survival in the league.
Meanwhile, teams from Division One are preparing for potential promotion to the National Basketball League, eager to make their mark in the top flight.
As the playoffs approach, the battle to avoid relegation intensifies, promising an exciting conclusion to the NBL season.
