Basketball in Africa

By Elvis SenonoLast month, City Oilers were 2-0 down and faced with three elimination games.
They responded with a seven game match winning streak en route to back-to-back titles.

“The turning point was the first win against UCU Canons,” admitted City Oilers coach Mandy Juruni. “From then on I could see that the players’ confidence had returned,” added Juruni after Wednesday night’s 87-75 game four finals victory at YMCA that sealed a 4-0 series sweep over Tiger Head Power.

Staring at a 10th straight loss to Oilers, Power put up arguably their best performance of the series.

They were also unexpectedly; aided by a 30minute power outage as they tried to delay what looked like the inevitable for large periods of this series.

Kami Kabange and Jimmy Enabu, like have been most of the playoffs were again unplayable, scoring 24 points in what looked like an audition for the post season MVP award.

Oilers edged the opening half 42-37 as Power pulled to within five points courtesy of a Phillip Ameny three pointer at the buzzer.
The third quarter proved even better for Power who clinched it 24-11 for a 61-53 lead.

A recharged Norman Blick, scoreless in two of the opening three series games scored a team high 19 points while Abdulahi Ramathan and Ameny added 16 points apiece.

Oilers then stepped up a gear with a 9-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter, completed by a three pointer from Power old boy Ben Komakech who finished with 22 points.

“We shall return better,” promised center Ameny after the game. The present though, belongs to the Oilers who will without a doubt be seeking to become the second side since Falcons 2002-2004, to win three straight titles.

In the ladies final, UCU Lady Canons like City Oilers, can claim back to back titles today with victory over KCCA Leopards in game five of the best of seven series final. The Mukono University side lead 3-1 following Wednesday’s 83-74 game four win.

Judith Nansobya led the lady Canons with 30 points while forward Claire Lamunu scored a game high 32 points for KCCA who have now lost three straight games since their 62-60 game one win.

BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS
2014 – City Oilers
2013 – City Oilers
2012 – Warriors
2011 – Power
2010 – Power
2009 – Warriors
2008 – Power
2007 – Falcons
2006 – Nkumba Marines
2005 – Nkumba Marines
2004 – Falcons
2003 – Falcons
2002 – Falcons
2001 – Sky Jammers
2000 – Power
1999 – Falcons
1998 – Falcons
1997 – Rhinos
1996 – Power

PEPSI NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
FINALS
GAME FIVE - TODAY
KCCA Vs UCU Lady Canons (7.00pm)
(UCU lead series 3-1)
GAME FOUR RESULTS
MEN: Oilers 87-75 Power
(Oilers clinched best of seven series 4-0)
WOMEN: UCU 83:74 KCCA