FUBA NBL – Playoffs
Ndejje Angels 69-66 City Oilers
MTN Arena, Lugogo
Wednesday, 25-09-2019
LUGOGO – Ndejje Angels produced a breathtaking comeback in the fourth quarter to ensure that there will be a game three in their quarter-finals’ match up with FUBA National Basketball League (NBL) defending champions City Oilers.
In the game played on Wednesday, Walker Obedi’s side went into the last 10 minutes trailing 46-52 but won the fourth 23-14 and the contest 69-66 to level the best of three series at 1-1.
The two teams will now face off in game three at the same venue on Sunday, 29th September at 4pm.
Having won the first game 83-75, Oilers knew that victory on Wednesday would see them sweep Ndejje and storm the semis.
Despite trailing 4-0 inside the opening four minutes, Mandy Juruni saw his charges win the first quarter 21-16.
Oilers advantage was improved to 8 (40-32) by halftime after winning the second 19-16.
Ndejje’s redemption started in the third as they took it 14-12 but at this point, it was seen as a minor blip by the Oilers.
However, Innocent Ojera’s three-pointer with 05:17 on the clock leveled matters and it was a cat and mouse game from their on-wards as the lead changed hands three times in the final five minutes with Ndejje eventually closing out the contest 69-66.
Ojera was named player of the match after contributing a game-high 20 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and as many steals.
Ndejje also saw Sam Kasilu and Gauthier Baderha manage double figures in terms of points as the contributed 10 and 17 respectively.
For Oilers, James Okello registered a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds but it was not enough to see his side register victory. Ivan Muhwezi was the other to enter into double figures for Juruni’s side as he managed 15 points.
In the day’s other game, KCCA sealed a spot in the Women’s playoff semis following a 68-57 victory over Angels Basketball Club.
Having won the opener 73-62 on Monday, Ali Mavita’s side made no mistake in sealing out the series.
After losing the first quarter 15-16, KCCA FC bounced back to draw the second and win both the third and fourth.
Cynthia Irankunda was the start of the show for KCCA as she posted a game-high 21 points on the night, adding 7 rebounds and three assists to her name.
Substitute Sylvia Nakazibwe also managed double figures in terms of scoring in the victory as she managed 14 points off the bench.
For Angles, Mellisa Akulu registered a double-double of 14 points and as many rebounds. She was the only one to manage double figures in the losing effort.
KCCA now joins KIU Rangers in the semi-finals of the 2019 NBL playoffs. The other Lady contests have JKL Lady Dolphins and UCU Lady Canons lead their respective quarter-finals against UMU Ravens and A1 Challenge 1-0.
The NBL upcoming fixtures
Friday, 27-09-2019
-A1 Challenge vs UCU Lady Canons
-Betway Power vs JKL Dolphins
