NBL Finals: City Oilers level series in game two

• City Oilers 79-75 Nam Blazers (1-1)

City Oilers levelled the seven-game series 1-1 in a thrilling game two of end-to-end basketball.

City Oilers secured a well-deserved 79-75 victory against Nam Blazers in the NBL encounter at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday evening.

The record champions responded well after losing 73-67 in game one played on Wednesday. Today’s win creates a positive momentum in the series and leaves the fans on the edge of their seats.

Joel Lukoji got the game underway with back-to-back layups to open an early 4-0 run at the start of the encounter. However, Peter Obleng sealed the first frame to give the Oilers a three-point lead (25-22).

However, the Blazers’ shooting woes kicked off in the second quarter as they were limited to only 14 points, thus trailing by five points going into the long break.

After the half-time break, both teams switched to a zonal defence, resulting in three minutes without either side scoring. However, along the frame, the defensive patterns kept switching as the Oilers’ shots kept falling, as they opened a dominant 12-point (63-51) lead going into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was boiling with all kinds of emotions as the Oilers nearly lost a 17-point lead due to back-to-back turnovers.

With 20 seconds on the clock, Anthony Chukwurah’s hook shot brought the Blazers close, trailing by two points (75-73). However, Joel Lukoji and Fayed Bale were calm on the line to give the Oilers a much-needed victory.

Jonathan Komagum had a fantastic day on the court, showcasing his skills at both ends and achieving a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Patrick Rembert (18 points), Fayed Baale (12 points), Landry Ndikumana (10 points) and Joel Lukoji (10 points) contributed for the Oilers in double digits.

On the other hand, Fataki Nyembo (28 points), Anthony Chukwurah (18 points) and Innocent Ochera (10 points) led the Blazers’ scoring chart.

The Blazers had a very poor shooting day, converting only one of their 26 attempts outside the paint.

The two sides will lock horns in game three of the ongoing series on Sunday at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

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