Tuesday, November 21
•City Oilers (Uganda) 81-76 COSPN (Madagascar)
Wednesday, November 22
•JBC (Zimbabwe) Vs City Oilers (Uganda) – 12pm
City Oilers began their BAL Elite 16 Division East campaign triumphantly with a hard-fought 81-76 win against COSPN from Madagascar at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Initially trailing 29-41 at halftime, the Oilers staged an impressive comeback in the third quarter, initiating a 7-0 run and later an 8-0 streak to take a 46-45 lead inside the quarter.
Despite their efforts, the Oilers couldn’t establish a comfortable lead as COSPN stayed within reach, resulting in 14 lead changes throughout the game.
In the last 30 seconds of the last quarter, Elly Randriamampionona tied the score 76-76 with a three-pointer. However, Parish Petty’s jumper on the subsequent possession put the Oilers back in front.
Petty also secured a steal on the ensuing possession and drew a crucial foul, helping the Oilers maintain their lead until the end.
Dame Miller shone for the Oilers, leading the scoring with an impressive 26 points, accompanied by Robinson Opong (16), Parish Petty (16), and Germaine Roebuck (12) contributing double digits in scoring.
Despite Bishop Michael Coulter’s double-double performance of 16 points and 12 rebounds for COSPN, it wasn’t enough to secure victory.
Next, City Oilers will face JBC of Zimbabwe on Wednesday and Ferroviario da Beira on Thursday, aiming for the top two positions to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
The ultimate goal for the top two finalists and the bronze medalist is qualification for the Basketball Africa League, slated to be held in four African cities next year.
