National Basketball League | Men | Finals | Game 5
- City Oilers 68-71 Namuwongo Blazers
Namuwongo Blazers are on the brink of their first ever National Basketball League championship after edging defending champions City Oilers 71–68 in a tense Game Five showdown at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday.
The victory gave the Blazers a 3–2 lead in the best of seven Finals, completing a remarkable turnaround after dropping the opening two games.
The clash lived up to its billing as both teams traded blows early on.
Anthony Chukwubuka Chukwurah’s calm free throws gave Blazers a 25–23 first quarter edge, and the sides went into halftime deadlocked at 41–41 before a buzzing crowd.
The third quarter was a defensive grind. After nearly five scoreless minutes, Oilers’ Kurt Curry broke through, but Joel Lukoji answered with a deep three.
James Okello then nailed a buzzer beater to put Blazers ahead 58–54 heading into the final stretch.
Oilers staged a late rally, but Blazers held firm to secure a three-point win and move within one victory of dethroning the eight-time champions.
Okello led the Blazers with 17 points, while Lukoji and Chukwurah contributed 10 each.
Curry (15 points) and Chad Bowie (14 points) paced the Oilers.
Blazers now have a golden chance to close out the series in Game Six on Tuesday and etch their name in Ugandan basketball history, while Oilers face a must-win to keep their dynasty alive.
