By Michael Ainomugisha
UCU Canons pushed City Oilers to the limit before falling 87–80 in a dramatic double-overtime National Basketball League clash on 8 May at YMCA Wandegeya.
The contest delivered one of the season’s most intense finishes, with regulation ending 63–63 before the two sides remained level at 75–75 after the first overtime. City Oilers eventually pulled away in the second overtime period, outscoring UCU 12–5 to secure victory.
For long stretches, however, the Canons looked set for a major upset.
UCU exploded into the game with a dominant opening quarter, racing to a 14–0 lead and taking the period 24–16. The Mukono side played with intensity on both ends of the floor, forcing the Oilers into rushed possessions and poor shooting nights from beyond the arc. City Oilers missed 24 of their 29 three-point attempts in the game.
The Oilers slowly worked their way back into the contest, tightening defensively and reducing the gap through the middle quarters. UCU managed only seven points in the second quarter and 11 in the third, allowing the defending champions to stay within reach.
Still, the Canons remained composed late in regulation and looked on course for victory before Fayed Bbaale stepped up for the Oilers. With seconds left on the clock, he calmly knocked down three free throws to tie the game and force overtime.
The drama continued in the first overtime. Jimmy Otim answered with three pressure free throws at the buzzer to level the score at 75–75 and send the game into a second extra period.
The second overtime finally tilted in favour of the Oilers, whose experience showed in the closing moments as they capitalised on UCU’s fatigue and limited scoring options.
Otim produced an outstanding display for the Canons, finishing with a game-high 31 points, 18 more than the next UCU scorer, Zachariah Ekirapa, who added 13 points.
Power forward Jimmy Lihumi also put in a strong shift, playing 50 minutes, the highest in the game, while recording 22 rebounds and eight points.
Photos by Tonny Blair Otto
