National Basketball League Semifinal playoffs
UCU Canons 73-87 City Oilers
City Oilers continue to prove they are by far the best team in the league after a spirited performance against UCU Canons at the MTN indoor stadium, Lugogo on Wednesday.
The reigning Zone V champions showed their intent of defending the league title after defeating Canons 87-73 in game two to take a 2-0 lead in the semifinal series of the National basketball league.
A spirited performance from point guard Jimmy Enabu helped the money bags to cruise past youthful Canons. The athletic point guard shipped in 30 points on the night.
City Oilers began explosively taking the first quarter 24-16 but a resuscitated performance from the university side saw them narrow the gap to just 3 points heading into halftime scoring 25 points to Oiler’s 20.
With 07:26 on the clock in the second period, Fadhil Chuma’s jump shot saw Canons cut the score to 24-24 with Oilers leading.
Steve Wundi had a free throw at 03:19 and UCU took the lead for the first time leading 31-32 but Oilers held on to take a 44-41 lead at halftime.
After recess, UCU’s Yahaya Kalyesubula had a lay up to bring the gap to just one point before adding another and Canons once again took the lead.
However, Jimmy Enabu took issues in his own hands inspiring Oilers to surge up and add 22 points in the third period while limiting Nicholas Natuhereza’s coached side to just 12 hence opening a gap in double figures (66-55).
Oilers added 21 points in the final quarter to claim victory and lead the series 2-0 giving Canons an uphill challenge with the third game scheduled for Sunday.
Enabu led the scores with a game high 30 points before Kami Kabange and Ben Komakech also added 16 and 18 points respectively for Oilers.
In the women’s game played, defending champions UCU lady Canons also took the series to 2-0 after defeating A1 challenge 68-61 with UCU’s Jane Nansobya leading the scoring charts with 21 points.
Action continues on Thursday with Power seeking to even the series after losing to KIU Titans in the first game.
In the women’s category, JKL lady dolphins who lead the series 1-0 take on KCCA Leopards