In Summary: FUBA NBL Record champions City Oilers recovered from their opening defeat in the National Basketball League Finals with a hard-fought 79-75 victory over Namuwongo Blazers, levelling the best-of-seven championship series at 1-1 ahead of Sunday’s crucial Game Three.
Kampala, Uganda: City Oilers bounced back from their Game One defeat to edge Namuwongo Blazers 79-75 on Friday night, levelling the National Basketball League (NBL) Finals series at 1-1 and setting up a pivotal Game Three on Sunday.
The Oilers showed resilience after surrendering the opening game of the best-of-seven series, overturning an early deficit before withstanding a spirited fourth-quarter comeback by the Blazers at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Namuwongo made the brighter start, claiming the opening quarter 25-22 through aggressive offensive play led by Nyembo Fataki.
However, the Oilers responded strongly in the second quarter. Coach Andrew Tendo’s side tightened defensively and outscored the Blazers 22-14 to take a 44-39 lead into halftime.
The record champions extended their dominance after the break, winning the third quarter 19-12 to open a commanding 63-51 advantage heading into the final period.
But the Blazers refused to go down without a fight.
Coach Stephen Nyeko’s men produced their strongest spell of the contest in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Oilers 24-16 as they threatened a dramatic comeback. But the Oilers held their nerve in the closing minutes to seal a crucial four-point victory.
Patrick Rembert spearheaded the Oilers’ attack with 18 points, converting all six of his free-throw attempts.
Jonathan Komagum registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Fayed Baale contributed 12 points.
Joel Lukoji added 10 points, five rebounds and five assists, with Landry Ndikumana also finishing with 10 points.
The Oilers’ bench made a significant contribution, combining for 25 points, while their fast-break play also yielded 25 points. They narrowly won the rebounding battle 47-46.
For the Blazers, Nyembo Fataki delivered a standout performance, finishing with a game-high 28 points after shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 12-of-15 from the free-throw line.
Anthony Chukwubuka added 18 points and seven rebounds, but the Blazers ultimately fell short despite their late rally.
The victory sees City Oilers level the championship series at 1-1, with momentum finely balanced ahead of Game Three, scheduled for Sunday at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.
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