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The Namuwongo Blazers are having difficulty converting strong game beginnings into wins, and they are currently trailing 2-0 in the National Basketball League finals.

This comes after Sunday night’s 90-83 defeat against City Oilers at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium, leaving the Blazers with a task to accomplish before Tuesday’s Game Three.

The reigning champions have significantly depended on their mid-season signings, Chad Bowie and Kurt Wegscheider, in the past two matches to deflect challenging inquiries from the competitors.

Bowie led in Game One, scoring 29 points to secure the win. Meanwhile, Wegscheider was the key player in Game Two, making 10 of 20 shots from inside the arc and two of four three-pointers, which quieted the Lugogo crowd.

He also made 11 out of 15 free throws while scoring a game-high 37 points.

The 24-year-old was unstoppable throughout the game, keeping the 10-time champions in the match when the Blazers were shooting effectively from every part of the court.

Rogers Dauna’s shot was confirmed by the officials, resulting in the Oilers taking a 24-23 advantage at the conclusion of the first quarter.

Fayed Baale became hot in the latter part of the second quarter, hitting three triples as the Oilers extended their lead to four points (43-39) at the halftime break.

Redemption time

Innocent Ochera began Game One on Friday but failed to make an impact, scoring three points in 12 minutes.

The guard, nevertheless, brought energy to Game Two with his significant contributions in the third quarter, allowing the Blazers to take charge.

Ochera made four of his eight three-point shots and five of seven inside the paint, scoring 23 points in the game.

His hand, however, turned cold during the fourth quarter, and the Blazers were unable to find another hot shooter to close out the game.

Joel Lukoji, who was instrumental for the Blazers in Game One, struggled on Sunday, scoring only five points.

Anthony Chukwurah excelled inside, contributing 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, but by the time the game’s intensity increased in the fourth quarter, he had already picked up five fouls and was sitting on the bench.

Jimmy Enabu scored 11 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out five assists, yet couldn’t make a difference in the closing moments of the game.

Big task

On paper, the Oilers are two victories away from securing an 11th title.^thstraight championship. However, the Blazers still have a chance to set things right.

A win on Tuesday night would shift the momentum before Friday’s Game Four.

Bowie had a relatively low-key performance on Sunday, scoring 16 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out six assists, allowing Wegscheider to step up. Veteran player Ben Komakech made three crucial three-pointers, finishing with nine points and five rebounds.

Stephen Nyeko’s responsibilities in the series are significant, and how they finish games will be crucial if they hope to compete against the Oilers.

JKL back in it

The JKL Lady Dolphins bounced back from their Game One loss by taking control in Game Two, tying the series. The four-time champions secured a 52-38 victory with key contributions from MVP Hope Akello and Brenda Ekone.

Akello achieved a double-double with 16 points and 21 rebounds, while Ekone scored 14 points. The Lady Jaguars faced difficulties offensively during the game, with no player reaching double figures in scoring.

National Basketball League Finals

Game Two results

Women: JT L. Jaguars 38-52 JKL (1-1)

Men: City Oilers 90-83 Namibia Blazers (2-0)