FUBA National Basketball League – Semi-Finals
Warriors 43-49 City Oilers (Oilers win 3-1)
MTN Arena, Lugogo
Friday, 22-11-2019
LUGOGO – City Oilers sealed a 7th consecutive FUBA NBL finals’ appearance following a 49-43 victory over Warriors in their game four of the best of five semi-finals playoff series.
Oilers led 2-1 from the first three games and saw off a third-quarter come-back by Warriors in game four en route to winning the series 3-1 and set up a date with UCU Canons.
Oilers started strongly, seeing Ivan Muhwezi sink a three off a jump shot for the first points of the night. They would eventually preserve their lead as they took the first quarter 11-8.
The three-point advantage would be improved to six by half-time as Mandy Juruni’s side won the second 14-09.
The third would then see Warriors take the initiative as they ran riot to win it 16-08 and take a two-point lead into the final 10 minutes with the scores reading 35-33.
However, Warriors faded in the fourth, scoring just eight points whilst letting in 16 at the other end to allow Oilers to win the game 49-43 and close out the series.
Warriors’ shot was off on the night as they managed just 17 of their attempted 73. Only Saidi Amisi who shot 5-11 from the field (11 points), reached double figures in terms of scoring.
Stanley Mugerwa and Samad Imran who collected 10 and 11 boards respectively also put up a fight in the losing effort.
For Oilers, James Okello picked his third double-double of the series as he scored 11 points and collected 14 rebounds in the victory. Landry Ndikumana was once again in beast mode, picking a game-high 18 rebounds.
Oilers are favourites going into the final with UCU having won all the last six league titles.
In the other games played on Friday, UCU Lady Canons also sealed a finals’ spot in the Lady Division following a 79-59 victory over KCCA Leopards in their game four of the best of five series.
Abei Priscilla was the star of the show as she managed a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds off the bench.
The Lady Canons will now face defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins for a right to be the Ladies champions.
