(Semis, Game 4)
City Oilers 71-57 UCU Canons
The defending champions City Oilers beat UCU canons 71-57 in game four of the semi-finals of the 2022 Tusker Lite National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs at the YMCA court in Wandegeya, on Wednesday night.
Mer Maker of City Oilers scored in double figures -14 points, 15 rebounds- with 5 assists as the victory saw his side make their eighth straight appearance in the finals where they will face off with Nam Blazers.
To reach the Men’s final, Nam Blazers beat KIU Titans 3-1 in the best of five series at the semis play-offs and they could seek to put an end to Oilers’ league dominance for the past septennial.
City Oilers Coach Mandy Juruni remarked that overcoming UCU Canons in the semis was a better test and a confidence builder ahead of their clash against Nam Blazers, an opponent who beat in both rounds of regular play.
A resilient James Okello shot 15 points, for the Oilers, while teammates Davis Siagi and Ceasar Kizito contributed 14, and 10 points respectively.
Meanwhile, Fayed Baale had 21 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists, Titus Lual had 8 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists and Chuma Fadhili managed 8 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists for the UCU Canons.
“UCU is one of the top teams and going through them gives us confidence that we worked hard to get there (final). Happy that the boys worked hard after the upset in game three,” Juruni said.
In the Women’s division, JKL Lady Dolphins beat KCCA Leopards 3-0 to advance to the final of the Tusker Lite NBL playoffs while UCU Lady Canons beat KIU Rangers to reach the same stage.
The finals will begin on Wednesday, 28 September at MTN Arena, Lugogo in Kampala.
