Basketball in Africa

Tiger Head Power’s Michael Kojo could not stop Kami Kabange’s City Oilers from sweeping Game Three of the Fuba league finals at the MTN Arena Lugogo on Sunday. Photo by Ismail Kezaala 

The first two games of this year’s Pepsi National Basketball League final series between City Oilers and Tiger Head Power had seen the latter start fast before fading late in the games.

In game three on Sunday, the pattern was different with Oilers edging the first quarter 15-12.

The final outcome, however, remained all too similar with Oilers winning 77-67; a result that leaves them one game short of a clean sweep in the best of seven series.

“We are in a position where every team would want to be in a final but we know it is not over yet,” Oilers coach Mandy Juruni stated after the game.

While he maintained a calm look, his tone suggested a man who expects his team to maintain the same kind of ruthlessness exhibited thus far.

Kami Kabange, averaging 20 points and eight rebounds in the finals again led the charge with a game high 26 points and seven rebounds.

Jimmy Enabu scored 16 while Samuel Kalwanyi added 11 points and 14 rebounds.
For Power coach Bernes Ankunda meanwhile, the same problems persist.

They were again out-rebounded 46-36 and remain poor on the line having converted only 39 per cent of their shots compared to 59 per cent for Oilers.

“Our decision making is poor and we need to have more belief in ourselves,” said forward Norman Blick who was scoreless for the second consecutive game.

“I am obviously not pleased with the minutes I am getting, there seems to be less trust in me but that is something we are addressing ahead of Wednesday,” said the five time champion who has played only 23 minutes in the last two games.

Power never trailed by more than 10 thanks largely in part to Paul Odong’s 18 points including a three that pulled his side within three points with less than four minutes on the clock.

Four other Power players were in double figures Joseph Ikong 14, Phillip Ameny 13 and Abdulahi Ramathan and Paul Mwaka added 10 apiece
Unlike the men’s final, the ladies’ is likely to last the distance with UCU Lady Canons holding a 2-1 series lead following a 64-50 win over KCCA Leopards.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
RESULTS
MEN: Oilers 77-67 Power
WOMEN: UCU 64-50 KCCA
Tomorrow at YMCA
GAME FOUR
MEN: Oilers Vs Power
(8.00 pm)
(Oilers lead series 3-0)
WOMEN: KCCA Vs UCU (6.00pm)
(UCU lead series 2-1)