The stage is set for a fiery Game Two of the National Basketball League semifinals, with Sommet Basketball Club looking to turn the screws tighter on record champions City Oilers when the two sides clash Friday night at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Sommet already drew first blood, stunning the Oilers 86–74 in Game One with a relentless display of energy and teamwork.
Now, they march into Game Two holding a 1–0 series lead in the best-of-five semifinal, and with their confidence brimming.
Head coach Albert Aciko has warned, however, that his side must sharpen their defensive edge if they are to repeat the feat.
“We had an excellent performance against City Oilers, though we had lapses in our transition defence,” Aciko admitted. “That is where we let them score easy points, so we have been working to correct that and deny them cheap baskets.
Sommet’s firepower was spread evenly in the opener, with Peter Cheng (18 points, 15 rebounds), Fataki Nyembo (18 points), and Mark Ngobi (17 points) all hitting double figures. Aciko hailed the balance, insisting that shared scoring is at the heart of their system.
“We must have our players scoring in double digits because it makes the game easier for everyone. Sharing the ball and playing as a unit is our identity,” he emphasized.
But City Oilers, the undisputed giants of Ugandan basketball with ten consecutive league titles, are not ready to bow out quietly.
They know a defeat tonight would leave their dynasty hanging by a thread. Victory is non-negotiable if they are to even the series and keep their dream of an 11th straight championship alive.
