Namuwongo Blazers have forced a decisive Game Seven in the National Basketball League Finals after beating City Oilers 82-64 in Game Six on Wednesday at Lugogo.
The Blazers came into the game reeling from their Game Five defeat and knowing another loss would hand Oilers the championship.
They responded emphatically, despite controversy surrounding their petition against Oilers’ use of more than four foreign-based players, which they argue contravenes the FUBA Competition Rules.
Namuwongo edged the opening quarter 14-12 before taking control in the second, outscoring Oilers 31-17. Henry Ssebagala was instrumental in the surge, knocking down three big three-pointers as the Blazers established a 45-29 halftime lead.
They never looked back, maintaining their advantage through the second half to force the series into a winner-takes-all Game Seven.
Peter Obleng led the scoring with 22 points, while Nyembo Fataki added 18 and Ssebagala 15. Tonny Drilleba also produced an all-round performance, finishing with a double-double of 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
For City Oilers, Jonathan Komagum posted 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Patrick Rembert scored 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Fayed Baale added 11 points.
Oilers, who needed a victory to clinch the title, struggled to reproduce the intensity that carried them to victory in Game Five. They were outrebounded 39-47 and endured a difficult night from beyond the arc, making just six of 28 attempts.
Namuwongo coach Stephen Nyeko also benefited from a strong contribution from his bench, which provided 52 points.
The decisive Game Seven will be played in Hoima following a request by State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang.
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