Sports
Oilers, Jaguars turn attention to finals after semi-final sweeps
The Oilers defeated Rezlife Saints 70-67 to complete a 3-0 series victory on Friday and set up a blockbuster men's final against defending champions Namuwongo Blazers.
JT Lady Jaguars' Maimuna Nabbosa takes a shot during the semifinal series against the Magis Stormers at Lugogo. (Courtesy Photo)
By: Chrispus Baluku, Journalist @New Vision
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National Basketball League playoffs
Semi-final Game Three
Oilers 70 Saints 67 (City Oilers win series 3-0)
Lady Jaguars 61 Stormers 55 (JT Lady Jaguars win series 3-0)
Sunday (Lugogo Arena)
Game Four
Leopards v Lady Canons 12:00 pm
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City Oilers and JT Lady Jaguars completed emphatic semi-final sweeps to book their places in the National Basketball League finals, with Joel Kayiira and Maimuna Nabbosa already turning their attention to the title battles that now await.
The Oilers defeated Rezlife Saints 70-67 to complete a 3-0 series victory on Friday and set up a blockbuster men's final against defending champions Namuwongo Blazers.
Kayiira, who finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, said the Oilers are ready for another test against the Blazers after losing last year's finals.
"We are happy to be back in the finals because that was our first target. Now we have another chance against the Namuwongo Blazers, and we want to finish the job this time," Kayiira said.
"They are a strong team, but we believe in ourselves. If we stay together and play our game, we can win the championship," he added.
The Oilers recovered from a 38-28 half-time deficit before levelling the game at 52-52 after the third quarter.
Jonathan Komagum made two crucial free throws to give the Oilers the lead before Germaine Roebuck stole the ball and scored a late lay-up to seal victory.
Roebuck led all scorers with 22 points, while Komagum registered 11 points and 11 rebounds. Kayiira also recorded a double-double, and Fayed Bbaale scored 11 points before leaving the game through injury.
City Oilers and JT Lady Jaguars completed emphatic semi-final sweeps to book their places in the National Basketball League finals, with Joel Kayiira and Maimuna Nabbosa already turning their attention to the title battles that now await.
The Oilers defeated Rezlife Saints 70-67 to complete a 3-0 series victory on Friday and set up a blockbuster men's final against defending champions Namuwongo Blazers.
Kayiira, who finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, said the Oilers are ready for another test against the Blazers after losing last year's finals.
"We are happy to be back in the finals because that was our first target. Now we have another chance against the Namuwongo Blazers, and we want to finish the job this time," Kayiira said.
"They are a strong team, but we believe in ourselves. If we stay together and play our game, we can win the championship," he added.
The Oilers recovered from a 38-28 half-time deficit before levelling the game at 52-52 after the third quarter.
Jonathan Komagum made two crucial free throws to give the Oilers the lead before Germaine Roebuck stole the ball and scored a late lay-up to seal victory.
Roebuck led all scorers with 22 points, while Komagum registered 11 points and 11 rebounds. Kayiira also recorded a double-double, and Fayed Bbaale scored 11 points before leaving the game through injury.
Rezlife Saints' season ended despite another spirited display, with Michael Otieno missing two three-point attempts in the closing seconds.
In the women's semi-final, JT Lady Jaguars also secured a 3-0 series win after beating Magic Stormers 61-55 to book their place in the finals.
Nabbosa scored a game-high 17 points as the Jaguars completed another impressive performance against the Stormers.
"Reaching the final is a big achievement, but our work is not done. We now want to win our first NBL title," Nabbosa said.
"We respect every opponent, but we believe in this team. If we keep working together, we can finish the season as champions," she added.
Bridget Aber added 11 points, while Shakirah Nanvubya contributed seven points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
For Magic Stormers, Kur Ajah scored 12 points, while Angela Auma and Daphine Adong added 11 and 10, respectively.
Despite struggling from three-point range, the Jaguars controlled the boards and made key defensive plays to complete the sweep.
The Lady Jaguars, who knocked out defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins in the quarter-finals, will face either UCU Lady Canons or KCCA Leopards in the finals. UCU lead that semi-final series 2-1 heading into Game Four, which will be played on Sunday at Lugogo.
In the women's semi-final, JT Lady Jaguars also secured a 3-0 series win after beating Magic Stormers 61-55 to book their place in the finals.
Nabbosa scored a game-high 17 points as the Jaguars completed another impressive performance against the Stormers.
"Reaching the final is a big achievement, but our work is not done. We now want to win our first NBL title," Nabbosa said.
"We respect every opponent, but we believe in this team. If we keep working together, we can finish the season as champions," she added.
Bridget Aber added 11 points, while Shakirah Nanvubya contributed seven points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
For Magic Stormers, Kur Ajah scored 12 points, while Angela Auma and Daphine Adong added 11 and 10, respectively.
Despite struggling from three-point range, the Jaguars controlled the boards and made key defensive plays to complete the sweep.
The Lady Jaguars, who knocked out defending champions JKL Lady Dolphins in the quarter-finals, will face either UCU Lady Canons or KCCA Leopards in the finals. UCU lead that semi-final series 2-1 heading into Game Four, which will be played on Sunday at Lugogo.