Best-of-seven series: Oilers beat Power in game one

Friday result: City Oilers 78 Power 76

Game two on Sunday at Lugogo

City Oilers beat Power to take game one of the men's national basketball league game-of-seven series finals on Friday at Lugogo.

Power's Joseph Ikong, Michael Makiadi and Paul Mwaka had managed to put up a good fight but were undone by poor composure and constant fouls to allow Oilers take an early advantage of the series.

As evidenced by the final score, it was a narrow win for the three-time defending champions.

Power coach Arnold Lando told New Vision that losing the first game was only a misfortune and that his side will match up to City Oil in the subsequent ties.

"The team has got good players so my worry is not the team composition," he said after the game, adding that his boys should minimize the commitment of fouls as well as maintain composure.

Power's Michael Makiadi drives past Oilers' Kami Kabange during game one. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)

By the end of the first quarter, Power who started the game with run outs were leading by a narrow one point but by the conclusion of the third quarter, they had lost momentum, leaving the Oilers to set to pace with a 63-57 lead.

With one minute left on the clock, Power were back in the game but could not stop their rivals from maintaining the lead.

It was a tight conclusion though as the Oilers led 77-74 with 16 seconds remaining, but still held on to the very last second to take the first game of the series 78-76.

Oiler's new addition Jonah Otim nailed a game-high 20 points while Jimmy Enabu contributed 16 as they steered their team to victory.

Meanwhile Power captain Ikong scored a game-high 27 points while Benjamin Odour and Mikiadi buried 15 and 10 points respectively.

Action continues Sunday with game two.

Power's Michael Kojo (left) tries to dribble past City Oilers' Laudry Ndikumana. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)