Power earn early bragging rights with Oilers win
FRIDAY RESULTS
Women: UCU Lady Canons 59-42 A1 Challenge
Men: Betway Power 60-56 City Oilers
For Betway Power to retain their place at the top of the National Basketball League, they have to make a habit of beating the rest of the title contenders regardless of the significance of the result. On Friday evening at the Lugogo MTN Arena, they followed that script in picking up a 60-56 opening season victory over reigning champions City Oilers. The game was the first time the two teams are meeting since the close of last season when Oilers clinched a 4-1 series victory for their fourth title in as many years.
A lot has however since changed with the five-time champions not only confirming their partnership with sponsors Betway but also moving to solve some of last season’s troubles by making six new additions. And they looked the more prepared team from the onset winning a low scoring opening quarter 15-7. “We matched them on the inside and kept on taking the ball at the post and it worked for us,” Power coach Arnold Lando said after the game.
The approach seemed to rattle their opponents with Landry Ndikumana picking two quick fouls as Paul Mwaka also kept James Okello in check. The champions however battled back, taking a 30-25 lead at the half way point and led 41-34 with just over two minutes left in the third period. Paul Odong then led the fight back scoring nine of his game 16 points in the subsequent two-minute sequence. The guard first made a three point play following a foul by Jonah Otim before making back to back three pointers as Power went into the fourth quarter with a 48 - 44 lead.
Michael Makiadi then made one of two free-throws midway through the final period as Power built up the biggest lead of the night at 58-49. The forward finished with seven points while Joseph Ikong added 14 points and Isaac Afidra 11 as Power held on for victory. Three of the new recruits Francis Kasinde, Diego Angemi and Sunday Okot featured against the Oilers who had Ndikumana top score with 13 points. Power return to action on May 28 against UCU Canons.