The City Oilers defeated the Namuwongo Blazers 76:72 in game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the finals series. However, this game was filled with lots of controversies and we saw the City Oilers boss Hajji Santur and the Namuwongo Blazers CEO, Daniel Muttu exchange some words. The tension was high but there were also multiple magical moments.

The Namuwongo Blazers came into the finals as the clear favorites and after their game one victory, some thought there could have been a potential sweep. The tables have quickly turned and the Oilers now have the advantage. Despite this, Namuwongo were once again the favorites coming inro game 3 despite having lost game 2.

First Quarter

Both teams traded baskets early in the first quarter. The Oilers then made a 7-0 run to take a 6-point lead. However, Tonny Drileba answered with a 3 and Innocent Ochera got another late in the quarter. The City Oilers led the game 18-15 but there was one very big positive for the Blazers. They had scored 2 3-point shots which was more than what they had scored in the entirety of game 2.

Oilers striking from distance

In the second quarter, the Oilers were hot from outside. They scored 17 points in the quarter but 15 of them were from the 3-point line. They also took a 7-point lead but the Nam Blazers closed the quarter with a 6-0 to make it 1-point game.

The Oilers led 35-34 and the second half was going to be nothing short of spectacular.

Game almost turns around

The Namuwongo Blazers started the quarter with a 9-0 run to take the lead 43-35. The crowd was behind them and for a moment, it looked like they would further increase their lead. That momentum did not continue as the City Oilers made some crucial baskets.

Joel Lukoji made some drives to the baskets while Patrick Rembert and Germaine Roebuck scored a couple of triples. With 2 seconds left in the quarter, Drileba appeared to have trapped Rembert in the corner but the American managed to elevate high enough to get off the shot and given Oilers back the lead.

Magical Nyembo

The game seemed as though it was dead and buried with under 6 seconds left. Patrick Rembert was foul and he made 1 of 2 free throws. Fataki Neymbo then hit a quick 3 to make it a 2-point game. Once again, the Blazers fouled and this time, it was Landry Ndikumana who was sent to the line.

He made the first and the second could have sealed the win. However, he missed and the Blazers got a chance to level the game. The execution had to be perfect as time was running out. The Blazers created a corner 3 for Drileba but he was unable to make it. Fortunately for them, they got the offensive rebound and Nyembo hit another triple to level the game. This was unfathomable because the Blazers hadn’t made a 3-point shot since the first quarter but somehow managed to make 2 in a row in under 30 seconds.

The drama was not done yet because there was 2.2 seconds left and the Oilers could have gotten something. The ball was inbounded to Patrick Rembert and he was fouled by Nyemeck as he attempted. The referee Brian Ssebalamu indicated a shooting 3 and at that moment, some fans (Blazers’) were dumbfounded while others were screaming in excitement. This was unimaginable.

However, the drama was just starting. After consultation amongst themselves, the call was overturned and it was deemed that the game was over by the time the foul was committed.

In that moment, the Oilers’ boss Hajji Santur protested and before we knew it, the Namuwongo Blazers CEO Daniel Obol was also involved in the fracas. Security was all over the place and Hajji Santur refused his players from returning to the floor.

After a word between the Commissioner Barbra Okot and the City Oilers Coach Andrew Tendo, an agreement was reached. But before the Oilers’ players took the floor, Hajji Santur went for a word. In that moment, the Blazers’ CEO also returned and more chaos.

Shortly after the players took the floor and the game resumed in overtime.

Dramatic Overtime finish

The Oilers took a 6-point lead in overtime but the Blazers cut it down to 3points with about a minute left. After getting a defensive stop, Namuwongo had a chance to tie the game and Nyembo was fouled as he attempted a 3-point shot. All Fataki had to do was score all the 3 free throws in order to tie the game but he was visibly exhausted. He missed the first 2 but scored the third to make it a 2-point game.

Once again the Blazers got a stop and had a chance to level the game. Nyembo made a beautiful move and got to the basket but he was unable to make the layup. Nyemeck tried to tip it in but the ball failed to enter the rim. Then, as he jumped up for the rebound, he was pushed in the back by Landry Ndikumana but a no call was made. The Oilers got the rebound and they secured a 76-72 victory.

Top performers

Patrick Rembert led scoring for the City Oilers with 22 points and 4 assists. Germaine Roebuck registered a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Fayed Baale and Titus Lual each scored 2 3-point shots and 10 points.

Franck Fataki Nyembo registered a game-high 28 points with 3 3-point shots, including a pair in the final 20 seconds of the regular time. Anthony Chukwurah registered 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Enabu Jimmy scored 12 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists.

What next

The City Oilers now lead the series 2-1. Game 4 will be on Friday 14th August at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.