Oilers draw level against Power in NBL final series

Paul Odong (L) will again have to bring his A-game after Komakech’s Oilers levelled the finals series. PHOTO BY I. KEZAALA

KAMPALA- City Oilers will feel they have a slight advantage going into today’s game three of their Tusker Lite sponsored National Basketball League best of seven final playoff series against Betway Power.

This is after they levelled the series at 1-1 with a 78-71 game two victory on Friday evening.

Like they have shown several times on their way to equaling Power’s five titles with consecutive championships, the Oilers again showed the required character with a controlled performance.

They never trailed again after taking a 27-26 lead midway through the second quarter with Stephen Omony’s jumper.

That was shortly after Power’s center Phillip Ameny was ejected for a technical foul and an earlier unsportsmanlike foul on Jonathan Egau.

Burundian center Landry Ndikumana then scored 11 of his game high 23 points in that period and finished with 18 rebounds in yet another outstanding performance to keep the Oilers afloat.

Ben Komakech then added 12 points in arguably his most productive performance of the playoffs just two days after suffering the misfortune of his car being stolen at the Arena.

Joseph Ikong on the other hand led with 16 points, Stephen Wundi added 15 and Paul Odong 13 for Betway Power.

Ikong’s two turnovers in the game however came at a critical time in the final two minutes for the Oilers hold onto victory.

It remains to be seen how they react having previously suffered 4-0 and 4-1 defeats in previous 2014 and 2016 finals.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
PLAYOFF SERIES FINAL
Game three
Today at Lugogo 7pm
Game two result
City Oilers 78-71 Betway Power
(best of seven series tied 1-1)
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