Africa-Press – Uganda. City Oilers will catch a break when the National Basketball League first round comes to an end. And theirs will end on Friday, after a clash with the UCU Canons at the YMCA Grounds in Wandegeya.
Five losses in the first round is already bad enough by Oilers’ high standards and ending the first half of the season on a high will be on the minds of everyone associated with the club.
The defending champions their fifth loss on Sunday when they fell to Kampala Rockets.
With a 5-5 record, Andrew Tendo’s charges lie seventh on the 12-team log and must greatly improve in the second round to stand a chance of defending their crown.
Oilers have fallen at the hands of Namuwongo Blazers, JT Jaguars, KCA Panthers, JKL Dolphins, and just recently, Kampala Rockets.
The departure of team captain Ivan Muhwezi and Titus Lual’s injury didn’t help matters for the ten-time champions, who have struggled to impress all season.
New signing Edgar Munaba was the only Oilers player able to score in double figures on Sunday, but did 16 points and 10 rebounds double-double was not enough to save the day.
For the Canons, their 5-4 record has them in eighth place and victory would see them leapfrog the champions.
Led by Ibanda Lwabaga, the university side has already showed signs of being competitive despite losing several key players.
Despite losing 82-72 to the high-flying Namuwongo Blazers, the Canons competed well to send a clear message that they will be no push over.
Oilers will rely on former Canons players, Fayed Baale and Rogers Dauna to steady they ship and go into the break on a high.
Veteran Ben Komakech and Munaba will also have to contribute immensely for Oilers to record a sixth victory.
National Basketball League
Playing Friday, YMCA
W –KIU vs. Nabisunsa, 6pm
M -UCU vs. City Oilers, 9pm
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