Sports 13 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Nam Blazers Secure Top Seed with Dominant Win Over UCU Canons
The Namuwongo Blazers have clinched the top seed in the National Basketball League playoffs after an overwhelming 82-39 victory against the UCU Canons. This decisive win also saw them surpass rivals City Oilers in the standings. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/basketball/nam-blazers-crush-ucu-canons-to-secure-top-seed-ahead-of-playoffs-5494808
The Namuwongo Blazers demonstrated their championship aspirations on Friday night, delivering a masterclass performance to defeat the UCU Canons 82-39. This resounding victory secured the defending champions the coveted top seed heading into the National Basketball League playoffs.
Needing a win to overtake rivals City Oilers for the number one spot, the Blazers executed a near-flawless game from the opening tip. What was anticipated to be a close contest quickly devolved into a one-sided affair, with the Blazers dominating on both ends of the court.
UCU struggled to find any offensive rhythm, managing only 12 points in the entire first half. In contrast, the Blazers surged ahead, establishing a commanding 46-12 lead by halftime. Their relentless pressure continued in the second half, extending their advantage and leaving little doubt about the outcome.
Congolese forward Fataki Nyembo led the charge with a game-high 23 points, supported by a balanced offensive effort that saw ten Blazers players score. Moses Mugisha added 13 points off the bench, while Anthony Chukwurah contributed nine points and seven rebounds.
For the UCU Canons, Alier Jongroor and Daniel Muganzi were the standout performers, scoring 11 and 10 points respectively, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Blazers’ dominance.
The win marked the Blazers’ 20th of the regular season, capping an impressive 20-2 campaign. With momentum on their side, they now advance to the playoffs as the top seed, where they will face the eighth-seeded team in the quarterfinals, beginning their defense of last season’s championship.
In the women’s division, the UCU Lady Canons also secured a significant victory, defeating the JKL Lady Dolphins 71-48, underscoring their own playoff contention. Sylvia Nakituuka led the Lady Canons with 19 points.