UCU 79 – 62 Oilers
KIU 76 – 55 Nabisunsa
By Michael Ainomugisha
The UCU Canons secured a commanding 79–62 victory over defending champions City Oilers in the National Basketball League on Friday at the YMCA Court in Wandegeya.
The first quarter ended evenly at 16–16, with both sides testing each other in a balanced opening. UCU began to pull away in the second, outscoring the Oilers 18–13 to take a five-point lead into the half.
After the break, the Canons maintained their composure, edging the third quarter 18–17, before completely taking over in the fourth. UCU closed the game with a dominant 27–16 final quarter, sealing a statement 17-point win.
Joel Kayiira was instrumental for the Mukono-based side, running the floor on both ends and anchoring the team to a well-earned win.
He recorded a double-double, finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Point guard Flore Dushime added 13 points and 5 rebounds, while forward Pech Alier also posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
For the Oilers, only Ben Komakech (17 points) and Edgar Munaba (13 points) reached double figures in what was a frustrating night for the champions.
The win marked a major statement for UCU, ending City Oilers’ long-standing dominance in this fixture and reinforcing the Canons’ growing momentum in the league this season.
For the Oilers, this loss was their sixth in 11 games, closing a disappointing first round of the 2025 NBL season.
Earlier, Kansanga side KIU Rangers registered a convincing 76-55 victory against Nabisunsa Girls in a Women’s National Basketball League game.
Coach Natuhereza’s Canons will conclude their first-round fixtures against JT Jaguars on Wednesday 21st May at Lugogo.
