Oilers edge Panthers in NBL playoff opener as Baale shines
The 10-time champions overcame a slow start against a determined KCCA side, coached by Raymond Muhumuza.
City Oilers Basketball Club captain Fayed Baale. File photo
City Oilers Basketball Club captain Fayed Baale scored a game-high 18 points, including four three-pointers, to lead his side to a hard-fought 58-50 victory over KCCA Panthers in Game One of the National Basketball League (NBL) playoff quarterfinal series on Saturday at YMCA Court in Wandegeya.
The 10-time champions overcame a slow start against a determined KCCA side, coached by Raymond Muhumuza. The Panthers led 14-12 after the first quarter, but Oilers responded to take a 24-22 lead into halftime.
Baale acknowledged the challenge: "It was a tough game because KCCA came with a lot of energy and we struggled to find our rhythm early. We stayed together, trusted our system and fought until the final whistle."
The contest remained tight after the break, but Oilers used their experience in the final quarter, outscoring KCCA 12-9 to secure an eight-point win.
New signing Patrick Rembert contributed 15 points, while Edgar Munaba added nine. Jonathan Komagum controlled the paint with nine rebounds and six blocks. KCCA shot just 28% from the field, with Imran Samati scoring 12 points and Waleed Omar adding nine.
The victory gives Oilers a 1-0 series lead, with Game Two set for Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Rezlife Saints edged Sommet BC 68-67 after trailing 39-32 at halftime. Edrine Ekau led Saints with 19 points as they took a 1-0 lead.
In women’s playoff action, JT Lady Jaguars defeated JKL Lady Dolphins 59-45, led by Maimuna Nabbosa’s 12 points, while Tamasha Nsubuga scored 24 for JKL but lacked support. KCCA Leopards beat UPDF Lady Tomahawks 60-43, with Angella Zainah Lokwameri scoring 16 points. UCU Lady Canons dominated KIU Rangers 68-30, behind Doreen Nakibuuka’s 11 points and Bridget Kawuma’s nine points and 14 rebounds.
On Friday, Victoria Crocs beat UCU Canons 61-53, and Magic Stormers defeated Pearl Queens 51-38 to open their quarterfinal series with wins.
National Basketball League playoffs
Men
Crocs 61 Canons 53
Saints 68 Sommet 67
Oilers 58 Panthers 50
Women
Stormers 51 Queens 38
Lady Jaguars 59 Lady Dolphins 45
Leopards 60 Lady Tomahawks 43
Lady Canons 68 Rangers 30
Sunday (YMCA)
Women
Game two
Queens v Stormers 10am
Rangers v Lady Canons 12pm
Lady Dolphins v Lady Jaguars 2pm
Men
Game one
Blazers v Jaguars 4pm
Game two
Crocs v Canons 6pm