Defending men’s National Basketball League (NBL) champions City Oilers are slowly but steadily turning their campaign around, stringing together a trio of impressive victories after a rocky start to the season.
With five wins from nine games now under their belt, the Oilers appear to be gaining momentum at a crucial time in the competition.
Having managed only two victories in their opening six fixtures, the ten-time consecutive champions were in unfamiliar territory; plagued by inconsistent performances on the court and whispers of unrest off it.
Their latest defeat was a narrow and painful 62-64 loss to JKL Dolphins on Sunday, April 27 at YMCA Wandegeya.
But over the past week, they have reminded the league of their championship pedigree with gritty and commanding performances, despite losing a number of players to their rivals.
Their revival began last Wednesday at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, where they edged new entrants Victoria University Crocs 60-56 in a hard-fought battle.
Veteran guard Ben Komakech led the charge with 16 points, while Malual Dier and Joseph Chuma chipped in with 12 and 11 points respectively.
The win was not only vital for the standings but also served as a timely morale booster for a side in search of rhythm.
That confidence carried into the weekend as the Oilers delivered back-to-back statement victories at YMCA Court in Wandegeya.
On Saturday, they overwhelmed league the other newcomers Livingstone 81-58 in one of their most dominant displays of the season.
Fayed Baale starred in that contest, dropping a game-high 22 points; including five triples from ten attempts, and dishing out five assists.
His performance was ably backed by Chuma, who added 13 points and six rebounds, while Bolton Rujjumba contributed 10 points.
Despite a spirited effort from Livingstone’s Isaac Athuai Akoal, who scored 20 points, and support from Akris Ainomugisha and Oscar Byomuhangi with 11 and 10 points respectively, the rookies succumbed to their ninth defeat in ten outings.
The Oilers dominated on the glass, controlling the tempo early, and establishing a 22-14 first-quarter lead and stretching it to 48-33 by halftime.
They also outrebounded their opponents 47-40, with Edgar Munaaba hauling down a team-high eight boards.
Their defensive intensity and rebounding prowess ensured there would be no comeback, as they cruised to a comfortable 23-point win.
Less than 24 hours later, the Oilers returned to the court to face Sommet, and once again, Baale proved to be the engine of their offense.
The guard tallied a game-high 20 points to guide his side to an 83-69 win.
Munaaba was equally influential, adding 17 points, while John Baptist Dauna chipped in with 10.
Sommet’s Mark Ngobi tried to keep his team in contention with 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to derail the Oilers.
Sommet had edged the first quarter 21-20, thanks to a mid-range jumper from Andrew Sendawula, but the Oilers quickly turned things around.
Baale and Malual Dier knocked down a pair of three-pointers each to give the champions a 44-41 halftime lead.
The third quarter was decisive, as Sommet’s offense stalled and the Oilers surged ahead with a 17-point cushion. Although Sommet rallied in the fourth, the damage had already been done.
With these three consecutive wins, the Oilers have climbed to 14 points from nine games, boasting a 5-4 record.
The upturn in form sees them well-placed for a strong playoff push, with two games remaining in the first round and the second round looming.
The champions may have stumbled early, but their recent run of results suggests that City Oilers are once again serious contenders; poised and ready to defend their crown.
