KAMPALA. KIU Titans rallied from an opening game one loss in their semi-final series against Pemba Warriors to prevail 3-1 and qualify for the finals against City Oilers.
They will need to conjure up a similar run in the final starting Wednesday if they are to claim what at the moment appears an unlikely National Basketball League crown.
The Kansanga based side are in a 2-0 hole following Sunday's 76-72 game two loss at the Lugogo MTN Arena that leaves them facing a prospect of a sweep in the best of seven series final.
"We have to execute at a high level when closing out quarters especially the fourth quarter then if we can give ourselves a chance to compete," KIU Titans coach Brian Wathum noted.
While Sunday's game two was not as dramatic as the 74-72 game one result but the Titans still lost the game at the death.
Down by three points with 22 seconds left on the clock, KIU’s Chris Omanye drove to the basket and as he contemplated whether to shoot or pass, Stephen Omony stole the ball.
The evergreen forward earned a foul before converting one of his subsequent free throws to decide the game.
Wathum pointed to a lack of experience against the Oilers who are returning from a second straight FIBA Africa Champions Cup where they finished fifth last month and are gunning for an unprecedented five straight league title.
"Experience has counted a lot. It’s clear if you've watched the last two games.You get leads and they cut them down. They get leads and you cut them down but they finish quarters very strong," KIU coach Brian Wathum lamented.
Sudi Ulanga had given KIU hope dropping a game high 24 points including 5 for 13 from three point range while Omanye added 16.
They were also fast out of the blocks taking a 24-10 lead after the first quarter before a 9-0 run at the start of the second starter as James Okello's layup resuscitated the Oilers.
"Okello played really well offensively and our bigs are doing a fantastic job, they're helping us a lot especially on the inside," City Oilers coach Mandy Juruni observed.
Okello finished with 18 points and nine rebounds to underline his growing stature while Landry Ndikumana top scored with 21 and 12 rebounds for City Oilers.
"We have passed through these kind of games before especially last season and we just have to show character. Our experience too drove us forward," Juruni added.
KIU will hope Michael Bwanga sparks a comeback if he returns in time for Wednesday's game three also at Lugogo. The point guard has yet to play in the final after going down with a bout of malaria last week.
Result: City Oilers 76-72 KIU Titans (Oilers lead best of seven series 2-0)