City Oilers seek a 9th consecutive NBL title and this time round, the KIU Titans is in their way.

The Titans just like the Oilers, have been exceptional so far in the playoffs with both teams yet to register a loss after successful sweeps in the quarter and semi final games.

The Titans and Oilers have both had key players in their playoff runs and it could all go down to the different player battles on the floor.

Mer Maker vs Joseph Chuma

Mer Maker has been the most important player for the Oilers in the playoffs, averaging a double double and it’s undeniable that his the anchor of the City Oilers defense. His ability to protect the rim has been a nightmare for opponents who can’t seem to go past him.

Joseph Chuma has also been the biggest presence defensiveIy for the KIU Titans. Despite playing just 9 minutes in the semifinals game 1, he came up big when given more responsibility and minutes in Game 2 and 3.

The responsibility of protecting the rim will largely be on the shoulders of these 2 and whoever wins that battle might as well get the win for the team.

Titus Lual vs Amisi Saidi

Amisi Saidi all round abilities speak for themselves and he’s always up to the task. He also reached the Finals last year with the Nam Blazers and they lost in Game 7. Despite the loss, his contribution was felt greatly and he will once again be out to prove the doubters wrong.

With the presence of Maker inside the paint, the responsibility to stop Amisi will potentially be given to Titus Lual who matches him in size, height and strength. Titus had a phenomenal 1st round but his second round performance was up and down. For Oilers to stop the Titans attack, they need Titus to be on his A game and his presence could potentially limit the number of times KIU Titans attack the rim.

Denis Balungu vs Fayed Baale

Arguably the 2 best shooters in the league at the moment. Denis Balungu and Fayed Baale have the responsibility to be able to strike from distance and whoever has the hottest hand might give his team the edge. With the paint already having good and strong defenders, the game might be decided on the ability to shoot from Mid-range and deep.

Tony Drileba vs Joel Lukoji

Tony Drileba has vast experience and has been in this situation plenty of times and therefore he’s got nothing to prove. On the other hand, Joel Lukoji who massively improved the Titans in the second round has a lot on his shoulders and is yet to prove himself.

Both players will be trusted with the ball and as it is known that “point guard position is the most important position”, they will need to keep their composure, avoid panicking and call the right players.

Mandy Juruni vs Julius Lutwama

This will be the most interesting battle as Mandy has won it all whereas Lutwama has just started his upward trajectory. These Coaches are the ones that call the plays and adjust the teams accordingly in order to maximize their strengths, exploit the opponents weaknesses and also minimize the damage.

The tactical battle will be the most intriguing as we are yet to find out how each team will be attacking and defending.

Game 1 will be on Friday at YMCA at 9:00 pm.