Kiviri burns up the Oilers in an impressive ANBL display

By Charles Mutebi

Airtel Basketball League

Women

Nkumba 62 Stormers 58
A1 62 Gladiators 32

Men

Our Saviour 70 Oilers 53
Rhinos 62 Sharing 72


Syrus Kiviri is often criticised for hogging the ball and shooting too much. But on the flipside, he is among the very few players in the Airtel National Basketball League capable of genuinely impressive offensive displays.

Like the one he had Sunday at the YMCA as Our Saviour humbled defending champions City Oilers 70-53. Kiviri sunk a game-high 29 points while playing all of 40 minutes, mostly as point guard.

Kiviri added eight rebounds and five assists but his stamina and willingness to take the big shots was just remarkable.

Every time the Oilers made a run, Kiviri and his hard-fighting teammates found an answer. In the end, the Oilers collapsed and Martin Kelly’s side romped to their sixth win in 11 games.

The irrepressible Steven Mwesigye added 13 points and 14 rebounds for Our Saviour, who lost the first quarter 18-12 but took charge of matters with a 21-7 second quarter.

Moses Okwera and Yves Kalambi scored 10 points apiece for Our Saviour, looking better with every performance.

Special mention must be made of Dhal Marial, who made just five points and grabbed three rebounds but restricted Oilers talisman Kami Kabange to just 10 points.

“This is a great win,” said Our Saviour coach Kelly. “It shows we are capable of beating any team”.

The Oilers, who shot 27.45% on field goals, were led by Jimmy Enabu (12 points).