KIU Titans live to die another day

KIU Titans ensured there were no immediate celebrations for defending champions City Oilers by winning Game Five of the National Basketball League finals Sunday night at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

With their backs against the wall and no luxury of another defeat in three must-win games, the Titans put up a fight to walk away 65-62 victors and stretch the series to six games.

And they will be hoping to force Game Seven when the two sides meet tomorrow night for Game Six.

Julius Lutwama’s charges relied on a 13-0 run in the fourth quarter to create some daylight, but the eight-time champions bounced back and could have forced overtime, but Titus Lual’s shot from distance drew the iron to send those in green into wild celebrations. 

Guard Joel Lukoji was the architect of KIU’s offence and contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists on the night.

The Congolese shot seven for 10 from the field, including two highlight threes that sent Fayed Baale and James Okello out of the camera shots and the crowd into wild celebrations.

Saidi Amisi, who saw himself limited to 20 minutes on the night, contributed 10 points and was the only other KIU player in double figures. 

Edgar Munaba came off the bench to score seven points and pull down 12 rebounds. 

For Mandy Juruni’s Oilers, Jimmy Enabu was the only functioning piece on offence, but his game-high 22 points were not enough to close the series. 

Oilers in driving seat

Despite falling on Tuesday, the Oilers are still in the driving seat, leading the series 3-2, and will be favourites going into Game Six. 

The champions are in familiar territory, having let a 3-1 lead slip to go into Game Seven against the Namuwongo Blazers last season and will be hoping to avoid another decider.

On the other hand, the Titans cannot afford to blink and must win the two remaining games to become champions. 

National Basketball League Finals

Sunday result

City Oilers 62-65 KIU Titans (3-2)

Wednesday 

KIU Titans vs. City Oilers -7pm, Lugogo