Sommet Basketball Club kept their playoff hopes alive with an 86-83 victory over defending champions City Oilers in Game Four of the National Basketball League semi-finals on Wednesday night at YMCA Court, Wandegeya.
The result ties the best-of-five series at 2-2, setting up a winner-takes-all clash on Friday at the same venue, with the victor advancing to face Namuwongo Blazers in the final.
Sommet, who shocked the Oilers in Game One before falling in the next two, showed grit and composure in a tense contest that remained finely balanced from start to finish.
Rogers John Baptist Dauna’s free throw ended the first quarter tied at 20, while veteran guard Ben Komakech nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send both teams into halftime locked at 44.
Mark Ngobi’s driving layup handed Sommet a 61-59 edge going into the final period, and from there, the Oilers pressed hard, but Sommet’s defense held firm and clutch free throws down the stretch ensured a three-point cushion at the buzzer.
Fataki Nyembo powered the win with a dominant double-double of 23 points and 17 rebounds. Ngobi contributed 20 points, while Tembo Kasereka added 16 in a balanced offensive effort.
The Oilers, chasing a record-extending run in the playoffs, were led by Titus Lual and Kurt Wegscheider with 15 points apiece, and Mer Maker chipped in 12, but their efforts fell short against Sommet’s late resilience.
All eyes now turn to Friday night’s decisive Game Five, where one team will book a place in the best-of-seven finals against the Namuwongo Blazers.
