City Oilers have etched another remarkable chapter in the National Basketball League history by securing their 9th consecutive league title.
This achievement has not only solidified their status as a powerhouse but also extended their record for the most championships in the league’s history.
Their path to victory culminated in a thrilling game six of the finals, where they have emerged victorious with a final score of 78-63.
This dominant win enabled Mande Juruni’s side to claim the best-of-seven finals series with a 4-2 triumph.
In this pivotal game, the Oilers showcased their depth and skill, with key players making significant contributions.
Jimmy Enabu led the charge with an impressive 19-point performance, closely followed by Fayed Baale, who added 18 points to the scoreboard.
Titus Lual, with 14 points, also played a crucial role in their double-digit scoring efforts.
The Oilers left no room for doubt as they dominated the game from the very beginning, demonstrating their prowess on both ends of the court.
The City Oilers led this gripping series with a commanding 2-0 lead, demonstrating their early dominance.
But even when the KIU Titans managed to secure a victory in game three, the Oilers swiftly responded in game four to reestablish their authority, seizing a 3-1 advantage in the series.
However, the tension soared on a fateful Sunday when the Oilers’ celebratory mood was temporarily halted. The KIU Titans displayed remarkable determination, clinching a vital win in game five for the series to stand at 3-2.
This victory breathed new life into their aspirations of capturing their first-ever league title.
OILERS, Kings again
As anticipation mounted for Wednesday’s decisive game, the KIU Titans found themselves in a must-win situation to keep their championship dreams alive.
They began the contest with great energy, leading in a closely contested first quarter with a score of 13-12.
Nevertheless, the Oilers exhibited their championship pedigree in the second quarter, decisively winning it with a score of 21-12, which propelled them to a commanding 33-25 lead.
Once the Oilers seized control, there was little doubt about the ultimate outcome. They continued to play at the level expected of champions, maintaining their dominance en-route to what seemed like an inevitable victory.
Joel Lukoji displayed moments of brilliance, but could only score two points. In contrast, Denis Balungu did not see a single minute of action throughout the game.
For the KIU Titans, Peter Obleng and Collins Kasujja led the charge, scoring 15 and 13 points, respectively.
But the rest of the players failed to match the enthusiastic support of a sizeable crowd, that passionately cheered them on.
The finals series has not neared the intensity of last year’s, when Nam Blazers took Oilers to game seven.
But as it has been since 2012, City Oilers continued to prove their mettle, and have ultimately secured their place in the annals of basketball history – If they hadn’t actually.
To put it right, this latest triumph firmly places City Oilers at the pinnacle of the league, leaving other formidable teams in their wake.
Notably, their ninth title puts them in a league of their own, outshining the Falcons and Power, who have claimed six and five titles, respectively.
And the dictator still rules…..
City Oilers squad on Wednesday
Starters – Fayed Bbaale, Jimmy Enabu, Tonny Drilleba, Titus Lual, James Okello
Bench – Ivan Muhwezi, Ben Komakech, Ruai Luak, Henry Mulira, Edrins Walujjo, Caesar Kizito, Moses Maker
The NBL Winners
1996: Power
1997: Charging Rhino
1998: Falcons
1999: Falcons
2000: Power
2001: Sky Jammers
2002: Falcons
2003: Falcons
2004: Falcons
2005: Nkumba Marines
2006: Nkumba Marines
2007: Falcons
2008: Power
2009: Warriors
2010: Power
2011: Power
2012: Warriors
2013: City Oilers
2014: City Oilers
2015: City Oilers
2016: City Oilers
2017: City Oilers
2018: City Oilers
2019: City Oilers
2020: N/A (COVID)
2021: N/A (COVID)
2022: City Oilers
2023: City Oilers
