- National Basketball League | Men | Friday
- Sommet BC 73-70 Namuwongo Blazers
Sommet Basketball Club staged a dramatic fourth-quarter push to beat Namuwongo Blazers 73–70 in a National Basketball League clash, handing the Blazers their third straight loss at the YMCA Court in Wandegeya on Friday night.
Tied at 51 heading into the fourth, Sommet outscored Namuwongo 22–19, fueled by clutch free throws from Peter Cheng and Frank Nyembo, strong defense, and cool execution under pressure.
The win lifts Sommet to 5th place with an 11–7 record in their debut top-flight season.
Namuwongo started cold, racing to a 23–10 first-quarter loss. However they came back and held a narrow 36–35 edge at halftime and kept the game level through the third. But in the final stretch, they ran out of steam.
Andrew Sendaula led Sommet with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Cheng added a double doubles 15 points and 15 rebounds just like Nyembo had put up 16 points and 10 rebounds.
For Namuwongo, Moses Mugisha and James Okello each scored 16, with Okello pulling down 14 rebounds. Arthur Wanyoto added a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Peter Obleng chipped in 10.
Sommet head coach Albert Aciko praised his team’s composure and fourth-quarter defense:
“We knew we had the legs and wanted to push the pace. Our defense forced them to the line, and most of their points came from free throws.”
Reflecting on their slow start to the season, he added:
“We weren’t aggressive enough early on, but this time we kept fighting. They looked tired, and we took advantage.”
Looking ahead, Aciko urged focus:
“We’ve got a big one against UCU. We just have to stay in character and take it game by game.”
On the Blazers’ end, head coach Esccodata Nyeko admitted concern:
“Yes, we should be worried. We’re testing things before playoffs, but nerves are costing us.”
He challenged his team to respond:
“Three straight losses, there’s no hiding. We have to regroup. We’re a big team.”
Despite the loss, Namuwongo remains top of the standings but will need a reset before the postseason.
In the Women’s Division, the KIU Rangers boosted their playoff chances with a 64–57 win over the UCU Lady Canons, who continue to struggle with consistency.
