Oilers seek redemption against Rockets in NBL clash

National Basketball League Fixtures

Saturday, April 12 (YMCA Wandegeya)

Women’s Games
JT Lady Jaguars vs Nkumba Marines ( 10:00 AM)
 KIU Rangers vs Nabisunsa (12:00 PM)

Men’s Games
 Sommet vs Livingston ( 2:00 PM)
Oilers vs  Rockets (4:00 PM)
Crocs vs JKL Dolphins ( 6:00 PM

The City Oilers will be looking to turn their season around when they face the Kampala Rockets n Saturday, April 12, at 4:00 PM at YMCA Wandegeya.

The defending National Basketball League (NBL) champions are yet to win a game this season after suffering back-to-back losses. Their first game was a nail-biting 81-80 loss to the Namuwongo Blazers, sealed in the final second. In their second match, the Oilers were outplayed by JT Jaguars, losing 74-64 at Lugogo Indoor Arena. Ian Lubwama led the Jaguars with 15 points, exposing the Oilers’ weakened defense and lack of depth.  

Captain Ivan Muhwezi, who has been out since the start of the season, will not be part of the squad for Saturday’s game. “I am not in the squad to play the Rockets, and I don’t know who has returned to the team. I can’t give a reason for that now,” Muhwezi said on a phone call.  

The Oilers’ struggles are made worse by injuries to key players. Center Titus Lual is sidelined for over two months with an injury, ruling him out of the first round. Star guard Fayed Baale is also unavailable.  

The last time the Oilers played the Rockets was in the 2024 quarterfinals, where they won 72-52 in Game 1 of the best-of-three series. Baale led the team with 17 points, Moses Maker added 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Muhwezi chipped in with 11 points. But the current situation is a stark contrast, with all three of those players missing.  

Later that evening, at 6:00 PM, Victoria Crocs will take on JKL Dolphins. The Crocs head into the game fresh from a 64-57 victory over JT Jaguars, with Choul Nyuot contributing key free throws just before halftime to give his team a 31-30 lead. On the other hand, the Dolphins lost their last game 62-58 to the same Jaguars team. Despite the defeat, Kenneth Mesho stood out with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Haron Arinaitwe and Clement Kabangu also performed well, scoring 13 and 10 points respectively. The Dolphins currently have two wins from five games.  

In the women’s division, the unbeaten JT Lady Jaguars will face Nkumba Lady Marines at 10:00 AM. The Jaguars are in fine form after a 69-52 win over UPDF Lady Tomahawks. Aziida Lubega led with 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Mercy Batamuliza controlled the boards with 11 rebounds. Nkumba, on the other hand, are still winless after a heavy 101-54 loss to Miracle Eaglets.  

Another women’s clash will see KIU Rangers face Nabisunsa at 12:00 PM. Nabisunsa are full of confidence after earning their first win of the season, a 65-56 victory over Angels. Abigail Mpoza was the star of the game, scoring 27 points, while Joy Auma added 14 points and 10 rebounds in a strong all-round display.