- City Oilers 83-79 KIU Titans
KIU Titans feverish haste to toss dirt onto City Oilers perfect start to the 2019 National Basketball League season fell short as champions held on for their third straight victory.
In a matchup that can easily pass for the best game thus far, Oilers defeated Titans, 83-79, in front of a sizable crowd at YMCA, Wandegeya on Friday night.
Oscar Muge won the jump ball for KIU to control the first possession but Michael Bwanga turned over on the entry pass to Francis Kasinde with Landry Ndikumana swiping the steal. The Burundian big man quickly found the outlet in youngster Ivan Muhwezi who took a few dribbles before finding Jimmy Enabu who pulled up to drain a 3 and it was game on.
As Titans fluffed two possessions in succession, Oilers converted at the other before Kasinde put KIU on the scoreboard with a driving lay-up. The six-time champions edged the opening period 19-17 but the change in Denis Balungu’s game approach stood out. Usually a catch and shoot player, KIU’s three-man drove to the basket and posted up.
Expected of Oilers, the side switched on their approach to the game at both ends forcing Titans into turnovers and quickly took their lead to double figures early in the second quarter. KIU fought back to within four points but went into the long break trailing by 6.
In the third quarter, Oilers restored their double-digit lead that went to as big as 14 but KIU’s reserves Collin Kasujja and Henry Okoth, as expected, played with grit to limit the damage as Balungu knocked down shots that kept his side in the game.
A three from Tony Drileba and a jump hook from Ndikuma put Oilers in a 13-point lead early in the final period.
Kasujja and Balungu’s attempts from distance drew steel before Brian Ssentongo drove in for a lay-up to get KIU’s fourth quarter started. Balungu who was in attack mode drove to the basket and was fouled hard by Francis Azolibe. Tempers flared, Muge picking an unsportsmanlike foul and his captain Sudi Ulanga handed a technical. Ndikumana hit all the resultant foul shots and Oilers led 67-56.
KIU Titans chipped away and came within 3 points (74-71) with just over two minutes to play forcing Mandy Juruni into calling for time but Titans never came closer as Oilers held on for a four-point win.
Ndikumana and James Okello contributed 15 points each in the win with the latter picking 11 rebounds. Steven Omony and Jimmy Enabu chipped in with 14 points each.
Balungu netted game-high 23 points, 13 of which came from the line, in a losing effort. Bwanga had 16 while Kasujja and Kasinde scored 12 and 11 points respectively.
KIU Titans will be back in action on Wednesday, May 1 against another title contender in Warriors.
City Oilers will play newcomers Kampala University on Saturday, May 4.
