It hasn’t been the best possible start in the 2023 NBL Finals for the KIU Titans but their much improved game 2 performance gave a lot of optimism to their fans and the haters of the dictator.

In game 1, the Titans went pound for pound against the Oilers but that was only for the first half. Things went spiraling down for them as they managed to score only 9 while the Oilers scored 22 in the third quarter.

Despite playing better in the fourth, the damage had already been done and with the experience of the Oilers, it was not expected for them to blow away a 15 point lead.

In game 2, the KIU Titans played so much better for tbe entirety of the game and their third quarter, as opposed to game 1, was very good and signs pointed that maybe they could get the win.

In the fourth quarter, when it mattered the most, the Titans performance slacked a little more so on offense and the City Oilers took advantage.

Jimmy Enabu who boasts of so much experience was a man on a mission and his impact on the game was the difference between the 2 teams in game 2. He scored 19 points with 54% FG, not forgetting the final 5 points of the game for the Oilers.

Despite the loss, a couple of positives for the KIU Titans were taken and they could potentially take game 3 if they work upon their issues.

First and foremost, the Titans played with so much passion, dedication and aggression. From the get go, you could tell that they had come for the win and they were mentally in the right space.

Denis Balungu has been one of the most lethal shooters in the second round of the regular. Despite attempting 6 and making only 1 3-point shot, he still needs more chances. The Oilers defense was very much aware of the threat and made the shots very difficult for him. The Titans need to unlock him by creating better scoring opportunities for him.

The return of Innocent Ochera was also another positive for them as he adds another dimension to their attack. He has the ability to play the point guard and shooting guard position and this gives the coach many skilled and talented players in the rotation that can impact the game.

Coach’s and Player awareness.

During the half time team talk, the Coach emphathised the foul Conundrum the team had been in. The Titans had made over 12 fouls while the Oilers had only 4, in the whole half.

The team became much more disciplined in the 3rd quarter and on top of that, they played more aggressively and forced the Oilers into foul trouble. They were rewarded with 12 trips to the free throw line, as a result.

At full time, the raw emotions of disappointment from the players, the Coach and the team boss could be seen. This goes on to show you how much the loss hurt them and as a fan, you get optimistic that they will go correct their mistakes and take game 3 because, no one would want to feel like that again.

The defense also did well to cut off Fayed Baale but the Oilers Coach opted to use a more lethal player in Jimmy Enabu. Coach Lutwama now has a task to figure out a way to stop Jimmy before game 3.

Game 3 will be on Wednesday at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium.