Uganda NBL Finals: Blazers beat Oilers 74-70 before Game 5

Namuwongo Blazers defeated City Oilers 74-70 in Game 4 of the Uganda NBL Finals, leaving the two sides separated by only four points before the next meeting. The Blazers shot 38% from the field against the Oilers’ 42%, but their stronger work inside and from the free-throw line made the difference.

Namuwongo scored 48 points in the paint and added 17 in transition. They also made 14 of 21 free throws, while City Oilers converted nine of 19. The Blazers’ 27 assists reflected their ability to move the ball under pressure, while the Oilers’ 24 turnovers gave their opponents extra opportunities.

Anthony Chukwubuka led Namuwongo with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Okello James contributed 12 points, eight assists and five rebounds, while Nyembo Fataki scored 11 points after making four of his five field-goal attempts.

City Oilers were led by Patrick Rembert, who finished with 19 points, six assists and four rebounds. Joel Lukoji and Fayed Baale scored 11 points each, and Jonathan Komagum collected 12 rebounds and four assists. Their task in Game 5 will be to turn those individual efforts into a more reliable team display.

Ball security and tempo are likely to remain important factors. City Oilers will need to limit the turnovers that hurt them in Game 4 and find a response to Namuwongo’s transition attacks. The Blazers, meanwhile, will look to maintain their advantage around the basket and continue sharing the ball effectively.

Game 4 was played with heavy contact, with contested rebounds, physical drives and battles for loose balls throughout. There were also disputed officiating moments that frustrated players and supporters. The atmosphere extended beyond the court, with the arena unable to accommodate everyone who wanted to watch and some fans following the action outside on a big screen.

The fixture attracted State Minister for Sport Peter Ogwang, National Council of Sports General Secretary and Chairman Bernard Ogwel, Ambrose Tashobya and Uganda Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare. With Game 5 scheduled for Sunday at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, the attention now turns to which side can handle the pressure and make the better decisions in another close contest.