The City Oilers faced their toughest test so far in the season against the Ndejje Angels, a team that ended their unbeaten run during the 2023 campaign.

The tension was palpable as the two teams clashed once again in a battle of epic proportions.

The Ndejje Angels came into the game on the back of a 22 point comeback against Kampala Rockets and were flting with confidence, looking for their first back to back victories of the season.

The City Oilers also full of confidence after 3 wins in 3 were determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s loss.

City Oilers took a 13 point lead after the first period and that seemed about enough to secure the win.

The Angels scored 8 in a row making it a 5 point game to start the second quarter but the Oilers picked up, Jimmy Enabu with back to back baskets to kill the momentum.

Cikom Monybai made 2 back to back 3 pointers to try and keep Ndejje in the game at the end of the second period.

Oilers extended their lead to 18 (the largest of the game) but tables turned their after, the Angels went on an 17:6 run for the remainder of the quarter. Fayed Baale made 2 very huge 3 point shots and just about kept the Oilers in the game.

The tension rose even more in the final quarter with end to end action both teams attacking and defending ferociously.

Although the Ndejje Angels made valiant attempts to close the gap, the City Oilers maintained their lead, proving once again their resilience and determination on the court and thus took a 75:83 victory.

Talking Points.

1. Foul Trouble

As the game unfolded, the intensity scaled new heights leaving key players on both sides accumulating fouls.

City Oilers’ Baale Fayed, Tony Drileba, Titus Lual, and Jimmy all left the court with four fouls each, showcasing the relentless effort they put into the game to avoid the shame of their previous loss.

Cikom Monybai, a prominent shooter for the Ndejje Angels, faced a challenge as he amassed four fouls before the final quarter. He had made 2 very crucial  back to back 3 point shots to end the second quarter bringing the Angels to within touching distance.

This setback created a significant disadvantage for the Ndejje Angels, as they had to sideline a crucial player to prevent him from fouling out. Despite this hurdle, the Angels demonstrated remarkable coordination, particularly with Christian Ndibu stepping up to the plate.

2. Shooting

The City Oilers showcased their prowess from the midrange and beyond the arc.

Fayed Baale once again showcasing his marksmanship with 5 3-point shots made, the most by any player in any game this season.

Despite the Angels having 18 more attempted Field Goals than the Oilers, efficiency was a very big factor. The Angels scored just 29/87, 33% while the Oilers scored 32/69, 46%. Just like discussed in the preview, the Angels had to up this aspect of their  but seeing that they failed to utilize their opportunities, it was going to be very hard to make a comeback and win this game.

3. Rebounding

The City oilers were out rebounded by 12 and thats how the Ndejje Angels managed to get extra possessions. The Oilers did not have anyone in double digits in rebounds and this can be a worry going into a game against the KIU Titans. They also gave away 27 offensive rebounds and 20 second chance points which could have been more had the Angels been efficient.

Coaches thoughts

“City Oilers shoot alot, we tried to reduce the percentage of shooting they came up with and some of the players out shot us” Ndejje Coach John Omondi on how the Oilers managed to defeat them.

“I think some of the boys took it for granted after we got 20 point lead and took it easy and they leat Ndejje comeback into the game” Oilers Coach Andrew Tendo on difficult game against Ndejje.

Coach Andrew Tendo also briefly talked about the Friday encounter against KIU Titans.

“Remember KIU Titans was a finalist last year, im sure they want to being a good game, their A game so its going to be a competitive game on Friday”

Match Stats

Ndejje Angels

James Obrack 16 pts, 3 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl

Jonathan Oketch 11 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk

Cikom Monyabi 16 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

Christian Ndibu 20 pts, 21 reb, 1 ast, 5 stl, 1 blk

City Oilers
Tony Drileba 12 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl

Titus Lual 17 pts, 6 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 4 blk

James Okello 16 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl

Fayed Baale 17 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast

Match Facts

Christian Ndibu was the first male player to record 20+ pts, 20+ reb this season. The only other player to do so was Mary Amaniyo for the KIU Rangers against JT Lady Jaguars.

8 players (most in a game this season) recorded double digits points.

Fayed Baale made 5 3-point shots, the most by any player in a game this season.