Relentless Oilers eager to reach seventh heaven
Man Marking. James Okello (L) of City Oilers drives past David Kongor Deng of UCU Canons during Game 3 of the playoff finals that Oilers won 79-69 at MTN Arena, Lugogo. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA.
What you need to know:
- Levelling the current series could rank as their biggest achievement yet!
Many a fan that follow the Tusker-Lite-sponsored National Basketball League expected a strong reaction from UCU Canons as the best-of-seven playoff finals resumed last Friday.
The university side went into the game trailing 2-1 in the series and had been well rested as the Oilers made a failed attempt at Basketball Africa League League (Bal) qualification.
Instead, it was the City Oilers who showed more aggression, taking an 18-12 first quarter lead that they never relinquished to claim game four with a 63-57 victory.
The result gave the Oilers a commanding 3-1 series lead with a chance to wrap up an unprecedented seventh straight league crown when the two teams meet in game five this evening at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Captain Jimmy Enabu put the performance last Friday down to a hunger to make another attempt at Bal next season. “The team has been together for a long time, that helps us a lot. We also have ambitions to play Bal and to get there we have to play like it,” Enabu reasoned.
History is on their side too as they have also beaten the university side on the previous three occasions they have met in the playoffs.
The Canons though can take pride in being one of only two teams to stretch the Oilers to seven games back in 2015 after Falcons in 2013.
They also led the Oilers 2-0 in the best of five semifinals in 2014.
Levelling the current series could rank as their biggest achievement yet!
