Namuwongo Blazers revived their National Basketball League title hopes with a resilient 80–70 victory over City Oilers in Game Three of the men’s finals on Tuesday night at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Coming into the clash two games down in the best-of-seven series, the Blazers responded with grit and discipline.
Super-sub Peter Obleng turned hero with 20 points and nine rebounds, sparking a second-half surge that reignited their championship ambitions.
The opening quarter saw both sides trade baskets in a 24–24 tie, with Innocent Ochera leading the Blazers’ attack and Chad Bowie driving the Oilers forward.
The Oilers capitalised on turnovers to edge ahead 44–42 at halftime, but Namuwongo returned sharper and hungrier after the break.
Obleng’s back-to-back buckets midway through the third quarter gave the Blazers an eight-point cushion, their biggest lead of the night.
Although Kurt Wegscheider trimmed the gap with a late jumper, the Blazers carried a 58–55 advantage into the final quarter.
In the closing period, the Blazers’ composure stood out. Better ball movement and Tonny Drileba’s defensive presence restricted the Oilers’ offense, allowing Namuwongo to stretch their lead and close out a crucial win.
Arthur Wanyoto added 18 points and Anthony Chukwubuka Chukwurah 14 to complement Obleng’s brilliance.
The Oilers relied on Mer Maker’s 20 points, Wegscheider’s 18, and Bowie’s 17, but fell short as the Blazers’ energy proved decisive.
The result trimmed the Oilers’ series lead to 2–1, setting up a tense Game Four on Friday, where Namuwongo will aim to level the contest and keep their first-ever title dream alive.
