FUBA National Basketball League
City Oil 56-64 BetWay Power
MTN Arena, Lugogo
Saturday, 12-05-2018
A Steven Wundi inspired Power side put up a spirited fight to defeat five time defending champions City Oil 64-56 in the league opener played in front of a sell out crowd at the MTN Arena, Lugogo.
The shooting guard posted stats of 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists as Power overturned a first half deficit of 29-35.
Oilers’ Ben Komakech scored the first points of the game through a well taken layup but Wundi had the answer on the other side as he sunk one of his own to level matters within seconds.
At the end of the first quarter, Power trialled by two points as the score board read 15-13 in favour of the defending champions.
Oilers threatened to run away with the game earlier in the second quarter as they posted six unanswered points till Power new recruit Geoffrey Soro sunk on of two free shots to come the nerves of the fans.
Stephen Umony scored nine of Oilers second quarter points as the Mandela powered side managed to take the quarter 20-16 and go into half-time leading 35-29.
With just over five minutes in the third to play, Power levelled the game for the first time since the opening few minutes as the board read 35-35, much to the applause of their fans.
The third quarter ended with Power winning it 14-10 and trialling by only two points with only 10 minutes to play.
Oilers trailed for the first time in the game since the opening three minutes as the scores read 52-54 in Power’s favour with just over four minutes to play.
By the end of the game, Power had won it 64-56.
This is the third consecutive time Power has defeated Oilers in the regular season, twice downing them last year.
What they said after the game.
Geoffrey Soro, Power Small Forward;
“It was tough for us especially having many new players but a knew the quality was there.
“They are the team to beat and it is not easy when you are trialling against them but we fought our hearts out and won.
“Yes it is only the start but we needed the momentum to spur us on.
Mandy Juruni, head coach City Oil;
“It is only the start of the season and we are not worried.
“They beat us twice in regular season last year so we came hear knowing they could do the same if we didn’t turn up and that’s what happened.
“We are going to go back, polish our mistakes and come back stronger like we always do.
Wundi posted a game joint high 15 points, level with City Oils’ James Okello.
Interms of rebounds, Okello was at it again, picking as many as 15, level with team mate Laundry Ndikumana.
The other games played on Saturday.
Javon 50-72 Nkumba
Charging Rhino 62-57 JKL Dolphins
KCCA Men 55-82 KIU Titans
UMU Ravens 27-85 JKL Lady Dolphins
Our Saviour 66-72 Sharing Youth
