Wednesday Abja Park, Naalya
Nabisunsa v JKL Lady Dolphins – 7pm
Rezlife Saints v Kampala Rockets – 9pm
Kampala Rockets will be aiming to reignite their push for playoff seeding when they lock horns with Rezlife Saints in a midweek National Basketball League clash at Abja Park, Naalya, on Wednesday night.
The Rockets, currently sitting on a 9-6 record, are still reeling from a narrow 85-81 defeat to Sommet in their previous fixture—a game where turnovers undermined an otherwise promising performance. Star forward Pauti Ozias Kikomba delivered a commanding double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, but his efforts couldn’t offset the team’s 20-turnover blunder.
Head coach Daniel Najja Juuko will be eager for a response, especially with the added subplot of facing his former employers. Juuko previously helmed Rezlife Saints before their parting of ways just before the Division One playoffs last season. Now, with both pride and points on the line, he’ll look to outmaneuver his old side and get the Rockets back on track.
Rezlife Saints, meanwhile, enter the fixture in survival mode. With a 6-8 record, they’re skirting dangerously close to the relegation zone. Although they remain just above the likes of KIU Titans and Livingstone, their recent dip in form has raised alarms within the camp.
Their only victory in the last five outings came against the UCU Canons (62-54), and they most recently fell 80-70 to league leaders Nam Blazers—a game that exposed both their defensive fragility and inconsistent offense.
Still, the Saints can take heart from the performance of their key players. Francis Odom Kasinde poured in 17 points, while Michael Otieno (16) and veteran Chris Omony (10) offered decent support. However, if they are to pull off an upset against the Rockets, more will be required on both ends of the court.
With the season’s stretch run approaching, this clash promises to be a defining moment for both teams—whether for the Rockets’ playoff ambitions or the Saints’ fight for topflight survival.
