The 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) introduced a new format on Wednesday, spreading Matchday 2 fixtures across multiple venues. With six games played, two each at Abja Park, YMCA Wandegeya and Lugogo Indoor Arena, fans enjoyed an action-packed evening.
In Naalya, Nam Blazers delivered a ruthless performance, crushing Victoria University Crocs 99-63 in a one-sided contest. Coming off a thrilling 81-80 victory over defending champions City Oilers, the Blazers carried their momentum into this encounter, completely outclassing the league newcomers.
They set the tempo early, taking a 24-15 first-quarter lead before suffocating Victoria’s offense and stretching the gap to 45-19 at halftime. Any hopes of a Crocs comeback were quickly quashed, with the Blazers maintaining a firm grip on the game and sealing a dominant 36-point victory.
Innocent Ochera spearheaded the onslaught with 29 points, while Michael Makiadi registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Peter Obleng also impressed, adding 16 points.
For Victoria, Ronald Ayume (17 points), Benfait Lola Minani (14 points), and former Blazers player Chuol Nyuot (10 points) provided some resistance, but the gap in quality was glaring.
The Blazers’ three-point shooting was lethal, sinking 18 shots from beyond the arc at an impressive 46% success rate. They also controlled the boards, outrebounding Victoria 50-37, and showcased their depth, with 52 points coming from the bench.
After their promising 51-48 debut win over Kampala Rockets, this loss served as a reality check for Victoria, who must quickly adapt to the league’s intensity.
The Blazers will look to maintain their perfect start when they face JKL Dolphins on April 2 at Abja Park, while Victoria must regroup before their next challenge.
At Lugogo, Kampala Rockets secured their first win of the season, edging UCU Canons 67-61 in a hard-fought battle. Meanwhile, at YMCA Wandegeya, newcomers Livingstone University fell short against JKL Dolphins, losing 48-67.
In a thrilling women’s matchup at Lugogo Indoor Arena, Miracle Ravens pulled off an upset, defeating title contenders KCCA Leopards 80-75.
Miracle dominated the opening quarter, storming to a 25-11 lead and maintaining control throughout, despite a determined KCCA comeback. With two minutes left, KCCA had cut the deficit to just one point, but a missed game-tying three-pointer by Perus Nyamwenge sealed their fate.
Mariam Namukwaya was the star of the night, dropping 31 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Akello Winfred contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Brenda Alyano and Hanifa Namuli added 13 points each.
Despite the loss, KCCA had standout performances from Tracy Namugosa (23 points), Uwineza Ninette (12), Asinah Kabendela (10), and Margaret Baagala (10).
The defeat comes as a blow for KCCA, who had dominated Nkumba Lady Marines 104-42 in their opener. For Miracle, the win reinforces their credentials as legitimate contenders, having also edged KCCA 76-75 in last season’s first round.
At Abja Park, UPDF Ladies secured a convincing 62-47 victory over Nkumba while JT Jaguars continued their dominance, crushing Angels 73-30 at YMCA.
