Results
Blazers 68–60 UCU
Sommet 86–74 Oilers
Ten-time back-to-back champions City Oilers stumbled in Game 1 of the best-of-five National Basketball League semifinals, falling 86–74 to playoff debutants Sommet Basketball Club in a thrilling clash at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The Oilers opened the scoring through Joseph Chuma and forced two early turnovers, but Sommet settled quickly, edging the first quarter 25–22. The second quarter turned into a three-point shootout, with both teams finding their range from deep. By halftime, the scores were tied 44–44, setting up a high-octane second half.
The third quarter was a tug-of-war as the teams traded baskets. With just under five minutes left, Sommet edged ahead 56–51, prompting an Oilers timeout. Sommet closed the quarter strongly to take a 66–57 lead into the final period.
City Oilers tried to mount a comeback in the fourth, sparked by a crucial turnover at the 6:29 mark that led to a foul and trimmed the lead to five. But as the pressure mounted, the champions faltered. A string of missed shots and costly turnovers—particularly from Mer Maker—allowed Sommet to rebuild their cushion. With 2:33 remaining, Sommet restored their eight-point lead and never looked back.
Sommet’s closing minutes were marked by aggressive play and sharp defense. Off the bench, captain Mark Ngobi delivered a standout performance with 17 points—13 of them in the decisive fourth quarter. Nyembo Fataki and Peter Cheng also starred, each contributing 18 points.
For the Oilers, Kurt C. Wegscheider led all scorers with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists but received little support as the defending champions struggled to match Sommet’s intensity.
In the earlier semifinal matchup, the Namuwongo Blazers beat the UCU Canons 68–60. The Blazers led from the outset, taking the first quarter 27–16 and heading into halftime up 40–32. UCU rallied in the third quarter to briefly snatch a 44–43 lead, but the Blazers responded and finished the period ahead 56–49.
Missed three-pointers and free throws haunted UCU down the stretch. The Blazers’ key contributors included Ivan Muhwezi (14 PTS, 8 REB), Joel Lukoji (12 PTS, 8 REB), Anthony Chukwurah (10 PTS), Jimmy Enabu (8 PTS), and James Okello (8 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST).
