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Both Namuwongo Blazers and UCU Lady Canons keep the Men and Women 2022 National Basketball League season alive as they win their respective games in the Final to close the gap.
With the trophies being brought out to the front desk, both teams defied the odds to win their games, pushing their respective ties to game 6 which will be played on Sunday.
Had both City Oilers and JKL Lady Dolphins won on Friday, they would have defended their titles with a 4-1 lead but all didn’t go to plan as both their opponents made it 3-2.
Into the men’s game,
Both David Deng Dikong and Ariel Okall were blazing as they put up 16 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 19 points with 16 rebounds something that was so fundamental for the Namuwongo side.
On the Oilers’ side, Francis Azolibe was their best player on the day as he put up 15 points hence being the only player to reach double digits for the Monday Juruni coached team.
City Oilers started the game with high intensity leading both the first and second quarter with 17-9 and 31-30 respectively heading into half time with a one point lead.
The game turned on the Oilers in the third quarter as both Magyver and Dikong to the game to the Oilers defense settling the Quater 5 points ahead in a scoreline of 41-46.
In the fourth quarter, Stephen Nyeko’s Nam blazers’ side was on fire but the highlight came later with 11 seconds left on the clock and a scoreline of 55-58,Ben Komakech put in a three-pointer to force overtime and send crowd into insane celebration .
#NBLPlayoffs ||™
OVERTIME 🔥🔥
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Full-time@CityOilers 5️⃣8️⃣Vs 5️⃣8️⃣ @Namblazers
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It is not over till it is over, @bkoma08 sends the Oilers to over time with a 3pt shit with secs to go. pic.twitter.com/I4TKHv94U0— FUBA (@FubaBasketball) October 7, 2022
In the five minute over-time, Oilers went on offense as the clock ran down with Drilleba trying to shot on different occasions but all hitting the rim.
But this time round, Ariel Okal and David Deng Dikong put up 9 points together before Collins Kasujja and Amisi Carmelo put in the three free throws confirm a 70 – 65 score that led to extreme happiness and flocking of the pitch.
End of Overtime
Game 5@CityOilers 65-70 @Namblazers
Series 3-2#ThetouchlineUpdates pic.twitter.com/TtjM20Y7f0
— Mugalu Jeremiah 🇺🇬 (@mugalujeremih) October 7, 2022
The Oilers were without Jimmy Enabu after his injury in Game four while Tonny Drilleba failed to find rhythm, trying to hold off an ankle injury just like Okello.
In the women’s side, UCU Lady Canons lifted the day as they won game 5, 62-48 to push for game 6.
Rose Akon once again was brilliant putting up 16 points and 15 rebounds just Aziida Nabayunga who also arose to add 14 points.
On the side of JKL Dolphins, Brenda Ekone did not turn up raising only a unusual 7 points but
Hope Akello and Taudencia Oluoch put up 10 points.
