Omony stars to put Oilers on brink of title

Men of steel: City Oilers are on course to become of the greatest sides in the history of team sports in Uganda. A sixth straight title beckons for them. PHOTO by Ismail Kezaala

Kampala. The National Basketball League best-of-seven playoff final between City Oilers and Betway Power had been described as the “race for the sixth” with both teams seeking to equal Falcons haul of six championship wins.
But going by the first four games of these best-of-seven Tusker Lite sponsored series, there seems to have been no ‘race’ at all.
This is after City Oilers moved to within one game of a sixth consecutive title with Wednesday evening’s 83-72 game four victory.
It now also appears as if Betway Power’s opening 85—66 Game One win was a head-start offered by the Oilers who have now put some considerable distance between them and their pursuers.
Stephen Omony was the outstanding performer of what is again turning out to be another sad experience for Betway Power.
The veteran forward completed the game with 22 points, picked seven rebounds and made four assists for Oilers who also played the majority of the fourth quarter with Landry Ndikumana, James Okello in foul trouble.
But they held on for victory with guards Tony Drileba and Ben Komakech stepping up with 18 and 13 points respectively while Jimmy Enabu appeared to struggle with a foot problem.
The Oilers led by five going into the fourth period before Omony’s three pointer gave them breathing space they used to get their biggest lead at 66-54 with just over seven minutes.
Paul Odong fought a losing battle with 21 points while Geoffrey Soro and Phillip Ameny added 12 and 11 respectively for Power who now seem destined to lose another Oilers war.

GAME FOUR
Betway Power 72-83 City Oilers
(Oilers lead best of seven series 3-1)
Game five on Sunday at Lugogo