NBL Round 23 (Regular Season): City Oilers keep a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked City Oilers as it allowed them to take a leadership position. City Oilers smashed 6th ranked Jaguars in Kampala 72-53. The best player for the winners was the former international Ivan Muhwezi (182-1998) who scored 22 points and 7 rebounds. Sudanese center Titus Lual (201-1998) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds. George Agasi produced a double-double by scoring 27 points and 13 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. City Oilers (15-1) have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Jaguars lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keep the sixth place with 11 games lost. Jaguars will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. City Oilers will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Kampala R.. It will be extra interesting game as Kampala R. is their local rival from Kampala.
Top ranked Blazers (15-4) recorded its fourth loss in Kampala. Hosts were edged by third ranked KIU Titans (15-3) 74-71. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Blazers. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Joel Lukoji orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Mpiya Juf contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. KIU Titans' coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American-Togolese guard Jimmy Williams (196-1986, college: ABU) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds for Blazers. The victory was the tenth consecutive win for KIU Titans. They moved-up to second place. Blazers at the other side dropped to the third position with four games lost. KIU Titans' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala KCCA P..
A very close game took place in Kampala (derby !!!) between KCCA P. and UCU Canons. Fourth ranked KCCA P. (11-8) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked UCU Canons (11-8). KCCA P. managed to escape with a 2-point win 72-70 in the game for the fourth place. It was a great evening for Stephen Otoa who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 8 rebounds. KCCA P.'s coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Peter Sifuma responded with 7 points and 17 rebounds. KCCA P. maintains fourth place with 11-8 record, which they share with defeated UCU Canons. KCCA P.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kampala to the arena KIU Titans.

Other games of round 23 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Our Saviour defeated Kampala R. in Kampala 64-58. JKL Dolphins were beaten by Livingstone at home 51-64. Jaguars lost to Kampala R. on the opponent's court 56-59. UCU Canons managed to outperform Our Saviour in a home game 64-58. City Oilers managed to beat KCCA P. on the road 80-68.



KCCA P. - UCU Canons 72-70

A very close game took place in Kampala (derby !!!) between KCCA P. and UCU Canons. Fourth ranked KCCA P. (11-8) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked UCU Canons (11-8). KCCA P. managed to escape with a 2-point win 72-70 in the game for the fourth place. KCCA P. forced 30 UCU Canons turnovers. Strangely UCU Canons outrebounded KCCA P. 55-36 including a 41-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Stephen Otoa who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Okumu Emmanuel (-1997) helped adding 13 points and 9 rebounds. KCCA P.'s coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Center Peter Sifuma (-1996) responded with 7 points and 17 rebounds and the former international center Joel Kayira (208-2001) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. KCCA P. maintains fourth place with 11-8 record, which they share with defeated UCU Canons. KCCA P.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kampala to the arena KIU Titans.
Top scorers:
UCU Canons: N.Okidi 16, J.Kayira 13+10reb+1ast, J.Kasilimbi 11+6reb+4ast, E.Zachariah 11+7reb+3ast, P.Sifuma 7+17reb+3ast, L.Ibanda 6+7reb+2ast
KCCA P.: C.Kizito 18+2reb+1ast, S.Otoa 17+8reb+2ast, O.Emmanuel 13+9reb+1ast, E.Ateng 11+4reb+2ast, G.Mahamba 5+2reb+1ast, W.Otweyo 2+5reb

Kampala R. - Our Saviour 58-64

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 8th ranked Kampala R.'s (7-12) home loss to seventh ranked Our Saviour (9-11) 58-64 on Saturday. It was a great evening for guard Joseph Wacha (-1991) who led his team to a victory scoring 28 points and 5 assists. John Teko helped adding 8 points and 12 rebounds. South Sudanese swingman Ruai Luak (198-2004) responded with 25 points and 6 rebounds and Francis Kasinde scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Our Saviour maintains seventh place with 9-11 record. Loser Kampala R. keeps the eighth position with 12 games lost. Our Saviour's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala Power.
Top scorers:
Kampala R.: R.Luak 25+6reb+1ast, F.Kasinde 10+8reb+2ast, S.Fadul 7+3reb, O.Simon 5+2reb, P.Kikomba 4+7reb, C.Ndibu 4+8reb
Our Saviour: J.Wacha 28+4reb+5ast, P.Mas 10+6reb+3ast, H.Ssebagala 9+7reb, J.Teko 8+12reb, M.Mugisha 5+7reb+6ast, K.Mesho 4+6reb

JKL Dolphins - Livingstone 51-64

There was a small surprise in Kampala where eleventh ranked Livingstone (6-13) defeated 9th ranked JKL Dolphins (6-13) 64-51 on Sunday. Livingstone forced 23 JKL Dolphins turnovers and outrebounded them 52-41 including 38 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for Isaac Athuai who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds. Bruce Okullo helped adding 13 points and 8 rebounds. Four Livingstone players scored in double figures. Livingstone's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Martin Buluma responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds and Austin Odiwuor scored 9 points and 8 rebounds. Livingstone moved-up to ninth place, which they share with defeated JKL Dolphins. Livingstone will meet at home higher ranked UCU Canons (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. JKL Dolphins' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala Blazers.
Top scorers:
JKL Dolphins: M.Buluma 15+7reb, K.Clement 10+6reb+1ast, A.Odiwuor 9+8reb+2ast, S.Gombya 8+7reb, N.Guddi 7+7reb, K.Mugabe 2+1reb+1ast
Livingstone: A.Ariho 14+3reb+1ast, B.Okullo 13+8reb, I.Athuai 10+13reb+1ast, J.Namutegere 10+3reb+1ast, B.Okot 8+5reb, M.Innocent 7+8reb

Kampala R. - Jaguars 59-56

There was a minor upset when 6th ranked Jaguars (10-11) were edged on the road by eighth ranked Kampala R. (7-12) 59-56 on Sunday. It was a great evening for South Sudanese swingman Ruai Luak (198-2004) who led his team to a victory with a triple-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Puati Kikomba helped adding 15 points and 15 rebounds. George Agasi responded with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds and Ian Lubwama scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. Jaguars' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Kampala R. maintains eighth place with 7-12 record. Jaguars lost their fourth game in a row. Newly promoted team keep the sixth position with 11 games lost. Kampala R.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Kampala to the arena City Oilers.
Top scorers:
Jaguars: A.Eboyu 16+4reb+1ast, I.Lubwama 15+6reb+2ast, G.Agasi 14+15reb+2ast, B.Shango 6+11reb+1ast, C.Fadhili 2+9reb+4ast, W.Mark 2+4reb
Kampala R.: O.Simon 19+6reb+1ast, R.Luak 15+11reb+11ast, P.Kikomba 15+15reb+2ast, F.Kasinde 4+9reb+1ast, C.Ndibu 4+11reb, K.Garang 2

UCU Canons - Our Saviour 64-58

Rather predictable result in Kampala where fifth ranked UCU Canons (11-8) beat 7th ranked Our Saviour (9-11) 64-58 on Sunday. It was a great evening for center Peter Sifuma (-1996) who led his team to a victory scoring 9 points and 15 rebounds. The former international center Joel Kayira (208-2001) helped adding 12 points and 7 rebounds. Power forward Moses Mugisha (-1984) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and Henry Ssebagala scored 18 points and 4 assists. UCU Canons moved-up to fourth place, which they share with KCCA P. Loser Our Saviour keeps the seventh position with 11 games lost. UCU Canons will meet Livingstone (#9) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Our Saviour's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala Power.
Top scorers:
Our Saviour: H.Ssebagala 18+4reb+4ast, M.Mugisha 15+10reb+6ast, D.Mugisha 8+5reb+1ast, A.Okwenzi 6+2reb, J.Wacha 6+6reb+5ast, J.Teko 5+9reb
UCU Canons: J.Kayira 12+7reb+1ast, L.Ibanda 12+1reb+2ast, P.Sifuma 9+15reb+1ast, J.Otim 8+5reb+1ast, N.Okidi 7+4reb+1ast, M.Okurut 6+2reb+2ast

KCCA P. - City Oilers 68-80

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 4th placed KCCA P.'s (11-8) home loss to third ranked City Oilers (15-1) 68-80 on Wednesday. City Oilers forced 19 KCCA P. turnovers. It was a great evening for Sudanese center Titus Lual (201-1998) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Edrine Walujjo (193-2000) helped adding 9 points and 8 assists. Forward Caesar Kizito (-1988) responded with 16 points and forward Aaron Ojoo (-1996) scored 9 points and 6 rebounds. KCCA P.'s coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the tenth consecutive win for City Oilers. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader. Loser KCCA P. keeps the fourth place with eight games lost. They share the position with UCU Canons. City Oilers' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala Kampala R..
Top scorers:
KCCA P.: C.Kizito 16+3reb+1ast, E.Ateng 11+2reb, W.Otweyo 10+2reb+1ast, A.Ojoo 9+6reb+1ast, R.Tueny Mabor 8+4reb+1ast, E.Odongkara 7+5reb+1ast
City Oilers: T.Lual 17+7reb+1ast, B.Komakech 14+2reb+3ast, R.Dauna 11+4reb, F.Baale 10+4reb+4ast, E.Walujjo 9+4reb+8ast, M.Dier 8+8reb+3ast

Blazers - KIU Titans 71-74

Top ranked Blazers (15-4) recorded its fourth loss in Kampala. Hosts were edged by third ranked KIU Titans (15-3) 74-71. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Blazers. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Joel Lukoji orchestrated the victory by scoring 16 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Mpiya Juf contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. KIU Titans' coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American-Togolese guard Jimmy Williams (196-1986, college: ABU) answered with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and the former international guard Ochera Innocent (-1997) added 22 points in the effort for Blazers. The victory was the tenth consecutive win for KIU Titans. They moved-up to second place. Blazers at the other side dropped to the third position with four games lost. KIU Titans' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Kampala KCCA P..
Top scorers:
Blazers: O.Innocent 22+2reb, J.Williams 16+12reb+3ast, P.Cheng 14+8reb, M.Makiadi 9+12reb+1ast, J.Chuma 6+6reb+2ast, R.Ongom 2+2reb
KIU Titans: J.Lukoji 16+6reb+8ast, K.Tembo 13+2reb, Z.Campbell 10+2reb, M.Juf 10+7reb+3ast, E.Munaba 9+7reb+1ast, S.Mugerwa 6+9reb+2ast

City Oilers - Jaguars 72-53

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked City Oilers as it allowed them to take a leadership position. City Oilers smashed 6th ranked Jaguars in Kampala 72-53. The best player for the winners was the former international Ivan Muhwezi (182-1998) who scored 22 points and 7 rebounds. Sudanese center Titus Lual (201-1998) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds. George Agasi produced a double-double by scoring 27 points and 13 rebounds and Chuma Fadhili added 5 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. City Oilers (15-1) have an impressive series of ten victories in a row. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Jaguars lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keep the sixth place with 11 games lost. Jaguars will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. City Oilers will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Kampala R.. It will be extra interesting game as Kampala R. is their local rival from Kampala.
Top scorers:
Jaguars: G.Agasi 27+13reb+1ast, K.Moru 6+1reb, C.Fadhili 5+7reb+3ast, I.Lubwama 5+4reb+2ast, A.Eboyu 4+2reb+1ast, B.Shango 3+6reb+2ast
City Oilers: I.Muhwezi 22+7reb+2ast, T.Lual 13+9reb+3ast, F.Baale 9+2reb+3ast, M.Mer 8+7reb+1ast, E.Walujjo 7+8reb+1ast, A.Ssenkubuge 5