NBL: City Oilers Hold Nerves To Edge UCU Canons In Thriller

Featured Image: Oilers’ Francis Chisioke Azolibe. FUBA

Wednesday, August 14
*A1 Challenge 44-51 KIU Rangers
*City Oilers 67-64 UCU Canons

City Oilers beat UCU Canons 67-64 in a closely contested entertaining NBL game played at Indoor Arena in Lugogo, Kampala.

The Oilers used a better first quarter which they led 18-14 to edge the slim victory. The Canons were resilient, and despite a slow start, managed to answer all Oilers’ questions in a performance that garnered a standing ovation.

The second and third quarters ended 18-18 and 16-16 respectively. UCU took the last quarter 16-15 but Oilers had done enough damage initially.

In what will be a contender for the game of the season, Isaiah Mabeny Ater had a game high 27 points in a losing effort while Landry Ndikumana drained 21 for the Oilers who have played a couple of last games without head coach Mandy Juruni.

The Canons managed to put up the swag highlighted by the crowd favourite Fayed Baale, but they latter bottled it up down the stretch where it mattered the most.

UCU coach Nicholas Natuhereza struggled with rotation after his star David Dikong Deng had his minutes reduced with an injury when he picked a knock midway through the second quarter – Peter Sifuma and Martin Tyron failed to fill the void as expected.

This was sweet revenge for Oilers who had lost 82-90 in this reverse fixture in May 5 at YMCA.

The victory, is the 16th from 19 games for the Oilers who still has to face Sharing, KCCA and JKL in their last three games.

This was UCU’s third loss of the season (joint lowest with Oilers). They have won 17 from 20 games. They still have to face Warriors and Kampala University to complete the second round.

If UCU Canons and City Oilers finish tied on wins and losses, the University side will occupy the top spot because they slightly have a better head to head.

It should be noted that the National Basketball league is sponsored by Tusker Lite who signed a three year-deal with FUBA.

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