National Basketball League
City Oilers 48 Rezlife Saints 62
Nam Blazers 82 JT Jaguars 62
A dominant fourth-quarter display powered Rezlife Saints to a statement victory over City Oilers, handing the reigning giants their first defeat of the 2026 National Basketball League Uganda season.
The Saints turned on the style when it mattered most, pulling away late to secure a convincing 62-48 win in a tightly contested encounter at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday night.
For much of the game, the contest remained evenly balanced. The Oilers edged the opening quarter, relying on early offensive rhythm to take a slim lead. However, the Saints gradually settled, tightening their defence and matching their opponents point for point heading into halftime with the scores locked.
The intensity continued after the break, with neither side willing to give an inch. Both teams traded baskets in a closely fought third quarter, setting up a decisive final period with everything still to play.
But when the game was on the line, the Saints shifted gears. In a stunning turnaround, they shut down the Oilers offensively while executing flawlessly on the other end. A remarkable scoring run in the final quarter blew the game wide open, leaving the Oilers with no response as their unbeaten streak came to an abrupt halt.
Edrine Ekau led the charge with a game-high 25 points, spearheading the Saints’ offensive push, while Hon Kwany added valuable support. Michael Otieno delivered a strong all-round performance, registering a double-double to underline the Saints’ dominance.
On the Oilers’ side, Malual Dier and Joel Kayiira showed glimpses of resistance, but their efforts fell short in the face of the Saints’ late onslaught.
The result not only strengthens Rezlife Saints’ impressive campaign—with just two losses so far—but also sends a clear message to the rest of the league: the title race is far from predictable.
