Rembert’s 28 points lift City Oilers to 78-73 Uganda NBL lead

Patrick Rembert scored 28 points to steer City Oilers past Namuwongo Blazers 78-73 in Game 5 of the National Basketball League playoff final. The victory gives the Oilers a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series and leaves them one win away from retaining the national championship.

Namuwongo began with greater control at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday evening. Edgar Munaba’s driving layup helped the Blazers finish the opening quarter in front at 23-19, while Kasereka Tembo provided an early inside response after Titus Lual opened the scoring for City Oilers.

The Oilers changed the momentum in the second quarter. Joel Kayira’s layup and a three-pointer from Fayed Baale formed a 5-0 run that reduced the deficit to one point. City Oilers then moved ahead before half-time, although neither team established a meaningful gap.

The contest remained tight after the interval, with the third quarter dominated by defensive pressure and physical play. Tonny Drileba’s driving layup brought the score level at 58-58 before the final period, setting up a decisive finish.

Rembert took charge in the closing minutes, controlling the pace, using the clock effectively and producing key scores when City Oilers needed them. His total was supported by Joel Lukoji’s 14 points and Lual’s 10.

Namuwongo stayed within reach through Arthur Wanyoto’s 15 points and Anthony Chukurah’s double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. City Oilers, however, made the difference in transition, scoring 22 fast-break points to the Blazers’ 10. The result restores the Oilers’ series lead after they surrendered it in Game 4 and puts them on the brink of another national title.