The City Oilers defeated the KIU Titans to take game one of the 2024 NBl Finals.

Many thought it’d be an easy win for the Oilers but from the onset, the KIU Titans made there intentions clear, to get the win.

City Oilers started with a mini 8-2 run but the Titans responded with a 13-3 and they took a 4-point lead.

By the end of the first quarter, the Oilers were in the lead, 70:61.

The Oilers led by as many as 11 in the second quarter but the Titans managed to stay within striking distance.

KIU Titans star duo, Kasereka Tembo and Joel Lukoji both got off due to injuries during the second quarter.

At the halftime break, the Oilers were still in the lead, 37:29 and the drama was yet to be unveiled.

Mid-way through the quarter, KIU came to within 4 points, and they had gathered steam but Petty Parrish hit 2 huge back-to-back 3-point shots to take the lead back to double digits.

However, the Titans were relentless and they had a 12:1 run, eventually taking the lead with less than a minute left in the quarter.

There were 2 lead changes and the game was tied twice in the first 3 minutes of the fourth showing the intent of both teams.

The Oilers then made a huge 11-2 which put them in a comfortable position and they won it 70:61.

Talking points

Fighting Spirit

The KIU Titans conceded defeat with over 40 seconds left on the clock yet it was a 9-point lead.

One could say they gave up a little early, but maybe something would have changed. However, the KIU Titans showcased what they are made of after fighting from down 11 in the third quarter and eventually taking the lead.

That kind of resilience and always staying within touching distance is what many of the KIU Titans players and fans would be proud of.

Battle Rebounds

One of the biggest positives for the KIU Titans was the fact they picked up 8 more rebounds than the City Oilers. Most importantly, they had 16 offensive rebounds and scored 17 second-chance points while City Oilers only had 6 and scored 5 second-chance points.

The fact that the had multiple people chip in was massive for them. 6 of the 9 players that day had 5+ rebounds and they is a very positive sign ahead of game 2.

Individual Brilliance

In game one, the KIU Titans did not have many players producing offensively. Peter Obleng and Joel were the only fired-up players, and they carried the team’s offense throughout.

The City Oilers had a couple of players chipping in here and there but the points Petty Parish scored were key.

Just like in game 3 against UCU,  he scored 4 3-point shots off the dribble, and trying to stop him from that will be very key for the KIU Titans.

Match Stats

City Oilers

Petty Parrish 22 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl

Titus Lual 18 reb, 6 pts, 5 ast, 4 stl, 6 blk

Malual Dier 15 pts, 9 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

Fayed Baale 12 pts, 1 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl

KIU Titans

Peter Obleng 20 pts, 8 reb, 1 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk

Ivan Lumanyika 10 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 2 blk

Joel Lukoji Banza 9 pts, 8 reb, 7 ast, 2 stl

The 2 teams meet for game 2 on Friday 30th and the KIU Titans will be aiming to add on worked more for them in the second half and building on that.