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Nam Blazers made the perfect start to the National Basketball League (NBL) Finals after defeating City Oilers 73-67 in Game One at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Thursday.
The defending champions dominated the early exchanges, racing to a 25-14 first-quarter lead before maintaining their advantage for much of the contest.
City Oilers threatened a late comeback in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to six points with just over two minutes remaining. However, Tonny Drilleba knocked down a timely three-pointer to halt the rally and secure victory for the Blazers.
Drilleba finished with an impressive all-round display, contributing 16 points and nine assists. He had earlier electrified the crowd with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the first half.
Nyembo Fataki led the Blazers’ scoring with 18 points, while Innocent Ochera added 15 as the champions claimed the opening game of the best-of-series.
For the Oilers, Patrick Rembert produced a game-high 28 points, connecting on four of his nine attempts from three-point range. However, the American guard received little offensive support, with no other City Oilers player reaching double figures.
Jonathan Komagum was restricted to a single point, while Titus Lual endured a difficult outing, finishing scoreless after missing all five of his field-goal attempts. Veteran Germaine Roebuck chipped in with eight points.
Despite winning the rebounding battle 58-51, City Oilers were undone by 24 turnovers, which proved costly against a disciplined Blazers side.
The series resumes on Friday, with the Oilers aiming to level the finals at one game apiece.
