City Oilers face crucial test against UCU Canons in NBL showdown
Currently sitting 10th on the table with 6 wins from 12 games, the Oilers are in a tight race for playoff qualification.
Fayed Baale of City Oilers in action. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga
By Chrispus Baluku
Journalists @New Vision
KCCA Leopards v KIU Rangers 7pm
City oilers vs UCU Canons 9pm
Defending champions City Oilers are set for a high-stakes clash against UCU Canons in a must-win National Basketball League (NBL) fixture at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday, June 21.
Currently sitting 10th on the table with 6 wins from 12 games, the Oilers are in a tight race for playoff qualification. They trail Rezlife Saints and JKL Dolphins, who are tied on 18 points in the eighth and ninth positions, respectively.
The Oilers will be looking to avenge their 79–62 first-round loss to UCU Canons. With pressure mounting, they’ll rely on seasoned players like Ben Komakech, Edgar Munaba, and Fayed Baale to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Meanwhile, UCU Canons, comfortably positioned near the top of the standings, will look to maintain their momentum, with Joel Kayira expected to lead their charge.
Women’s League Spotlight: KCCA Leopards vs KIU Rangers
Earlier that evening, the women’s league will feature a key matchup between KCCA Leopards and KIU Rangers at 7:00 PM.
KCCA Leopards currently top the women’s standings with 13 wins from 16 games. A win on Friday would strengthen their lead over close contenders JT Lady Jaguars and JKL Lady Dolphins.
KIU Rangers, sitting fifth with an 8–6 record, will be aiming to pull off an upset and move closer to the top four.
Midweek Recap: Sommet’s Rise Continues
Friday’s double-header follows an exciting round of Wednesday action, where Sommet Basketball Club continued their impressive debut season with an 81–71 win over Kampala Rockets at Abja Park.
The victory lifted Sommet to sixth place with 23 points from 15 games, tying them with Victoria Crocs and just behind UCU Canons and Rockets, who each have 24 points.
Sommet, who joined the top flight this year after acquiring Our Saviour’s league slot, had previously missed promotion after falling to UMU Flames in the Division One playoffs.
Star forward Peter Cheng led the charge with 29 points and 15 rebounds in just 23 minutes. He was ably supported by John Teko (15 points), Frank Nyembo (13 points, 9 rebounds), and Andrew Sendaula (10 points).
Other Results:
Men’s League:
KIU Titans stunned KCCA Panthers 74–61, earning only their second win of the season.
Rezlife Saints pulled off a surprise 62–54 win over UCU Canons.
Women’s League:
UCU Lady Canons edged JKL Lady Dolphins 71–67.
Nabisunsa defeated Angels 60–57.
UPDF Lady Tomahawks overcame Magic Stormers 49–37.