Dier challenges City Oilers to finish regular season strong after UPDF win

City Oilers forward Malual Dier has challenged his team to finish the National Basketball League regular season strongly after helping them defeat UPDF Tomahawks 78-60 on Wednesday.

Dier scored 16 points off the bench as the record champions pulled away after halftime in a game that was level at 17-17 after the first quarter and 34-32 at the break. The City Oilers took control in the second half, winning the third quarter 17-11 and the final period 27-17 to seal victory.

“We stayed disciplined, followed the coach’s plan, and raised our intensity when the game was on the line,” Dier said.

He credited defence and teamwork for the turnaround.

“The difference came from defence and teamwork. Once we started getting stops and controlling rebounds, we played faster and created better scoring opportunities,” he added.

The Oilers' bench was decisive, contributing 49 points compared to UPDF's 14. Titus Lual added 14 points and 17 rebounds, Joel Kayiira had 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Joel Lukoji posted 11 points and eight assists.

“Everyone on the bench was ready when called upon. That depth gives us confidence and is one of the reasons we have been consistent,” Dier noted.

He urged his side to maintain momentum ahead of the playoffs and their final regular season game against Sommet.

“We want to finish the regular season on a high note. Sommet are a strong team, but our target is to win, keep improving, and carry momentum into the playoffs,” he said.

Elsewhere, Namuwongo Blazers beat Victoria Crocs 74-48, with Nyembo Fataki and Peter Obleng scoring 14 points each as they dominated the second half. JKL Dolphins recorded the biggest win, thrashing Kampala Rockets 114-75. Rezlife Saints beat JT Jaguars 76-59, while Sommet BC defeated UMU Flames 79-61.

Women's Division

In the women's division, JT Lady Jaguars beat KIU Rangers 66-40, UPDF Lady Tomahawks shocked KCCA Leopards 48-44, Pearl Queens defeated Victoria She Crocs 48-41, and Nabisunsa beat Angels 58-50.

Another game is scheduled for Friday at YMCA Wandegeya, where UCU Lady Canons will face KCCA Leopards.

Upcoming Fixtures

Saturday fixtures include Nabisunsa Girls meeting Miracle Eaglets, Magic Stormers facing Victoria She Crocs, JKL Lady Dolphins versus Pearl Queens, Kampala Rockets facing UMU Flames, and KCCA Panthers playing Rezlife Saints.

On Sunday at ABJA Park in Naalya, JT Lady Jaguars will face Nabisunsa, Miracle Eaglets meet UPDF Lady Tomahawks, KIU Rangers play Magic Stormers, UPDF Tomahawks encounter UCU Canons, and Victoria Crocs meet JT Jaguars.

Six men's teams have already qualified for the playoffs: City Oilers, Namuwongo Blazers, Rezlife Saints, UCU Canons, KCCA Panthers, and Sommet BC. Victoria Crocs, JKL Dolphins, JT Jaguars, and UPDF Tomahawks are fighting for the remaining two spots.

Kampala Rockets are already relegated, while UMU Flames are battling to avoid joining them.

In the women's league, JT Lady Jaguars, UCU Lady Canons, and KCCA Leopards have secured playoff places. Pearl Queens, Magic Stormers, KIU Rangers, UPDF Lady Tomahawks, and JKL Lady Dolphins are close to qualification, while Victoria She Crocs and Miracle Eaglets remain in contention.

Angels have already been relegated, leaving Nabisunsa fighting to avoid the second relegation spot.

National Basketball League

Results

Men
Oilers 78 Tomahawks 60
Blazers 74 Crocs 48
Dolphins 114 Rockets 75
Sommet 79 Flames 61
Saints 76 Jaguars 59

Women
Lady Jaguars 66 Rangers 40
Lady Tomahawks 48 Leopards 44
Nabisunsa 58 Angels 50
Queens 48 She Crocs 41

Friday
YMCA Wandegeya
Women
Lady Canons v Leopards 7pm
Men
Oilers v Sommet 9pm

Saturday

YMCA Wandegeya
Women
Nabisunsa v Eaglets 10am
Stormers v She Crocs 12pm
Lady Dolphins v Queens 2pm

Men
Rockets v Flames 4pm
Panthers v Saints 6pm

Sunday

ABJA Park
Women
Lady Jaguars v Nabisunsa 10am
Eaglets v Lady Tomahawks 12pm
Rangers v Stormers 2pm

Men
Tomahawks v Canons 4pm
Crocs v Jaguars 6pm