NBL Finals: KIU stand in City Oilers’ Path To 10th Title

Wednesday, August 28
*JKL Lady Dolphins Vs UCU Lady Canons – 7pm
*City Oilers Vs KIU Titans – 9pm

City Oilers will launch their pursuit of an unprecedented tenth consecutive National Basketball League (NBL) title on Wednesday when they face off against the KIU Titans in Game 1 of the finals at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

This marks the third time these two teams have met in the finals, with the Oilers having won both previous encounters, including last year’s 4-2 victory.

The Oilers, who finished atop the regular season standings, enter the series with a psychological edge, having defeated the Titans twice this season with commanding victories of 72-63 and 71-43.

However, the reigning champions face significant challenges this time around. The departure of key players Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, and Tonny Drilleba—integral to the Oilers’ nine-title run—has left the team vulnerable.

Despite these setbacks, the Oilers demonstrated their resilience by sweeping both Kampala Rockets and UCU Canons in the playoffs to secure their spot in the finals.

Yet, their path has not been without further obstacles. Edrine Walujjo’s suspension over match-fixing allegations and Moses Maker’s injury during the series against UCU have compounded their difficulties.

The addition of Petty Parrish, an American guard, has reignited hope for the Oilers. Parrish made an immediate impact in his debut, scoring four consecutive three-pointers in just two minutes against UCU in game three, shifting momentum back in favor of the short-handed team.

Fayed Baale, Titus Lual, Ivan Muhwezi, and veteran Ben Komakech will be crucial in leading the Oilers’ charge for the title.

On the other side, the KIU Titans, who finished second in the league, are determined to overturn their past misfortunes against the Oilers who swept them back in the 2017 finals.

The Titans secured their finals berth after a hard-fought five-game series against Nam Blazers in the semifinals, following a quarterfinal win over JT Jaguars.

Joel Lukoji, the team’s standout player, alongside sharpshooter Tembo Kasereka, driving force Edgar Munaaba, and rebounding powerhouse Mpiya Juf, will be pivotal as they seek to dethrone the ‘DICTATOR’.