City Oilers power their way to fourth crown
City Oilers celebrate with their trophy after defeating Betway Power 78-46 to win 2016 National Basketball League title 4-1. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
KAMPALA. At this rate, no domestic basketball record seems too hard to break for this rampant City Oilers machine.
On Sunday at the Lugogo MTN Arena, the reigning league champions reached yet another milestone becoming the first team to win four consecutive titles following the 78-46 blowout victory over Betway Power.
The result sealed a 4-1 series triumph in what was a repeat of the 2014 final they also swept 4-0.
And despite the result leaving them one title short of their opponents and two behind record winners Falcons, there is a strong feeling it is a matter of when not if that record will be surpassed.
Prior to game five, they had appeared like a cat playing with its prey before going for the final kill as they trailed for most of the four games.
On Sunday they were more ruthless, dominating from tip off as exemplified from the 21-10 first quarter start in front of the average crowd that seemed to constitute mainly Power sympathisers.
Jimmy Enabu and Jonah Otim ensured there was little for the opposition to cheer about contributing a game high 15 points apiece.
“We were the better team because we had more players with the ability to change or win you games,” Oilers coach Mandy Juruni, who has now won five straight titles, said of the finals afterwards.
Kami Kabange added 14 and Landry Ndikumana 10 and nine rebounds for the Oilers against a Power team that had only Joseph Ikong and Michael Kojo in double figures and converted only 22 per cent of their field attempts.
Unlike 2014, they depart the series with their reputation intact having competed favourably in the opening four games.
FORMER CHAMPIONS
2016- City Oilers
2015 – City Oilers
2014 – City Oilers
2013 – City Oilers
2012 – Warriors
2011 – Power
2010 – Power
2009 – Warriors
2008 – Power
2007 – Falcons
2006 – Nkumba Marines
2005 – Nkumba
2004 – Falcons
2003 – Falcons
2002 – Falcons
2001 – Skyjammers
2000 – Power
1999 – Falcons
1998 – Falcons
1997- Charging Rhino
1996- Power
1995- Makerere (Blue Jackets).
