KAMPALA (FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2017) - Reigning champions City Oilers booked their place in the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Club Championship Final after defeating Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 73-65 on Friday at the fully packed Lugogo Indoor Arena. 

The Oilers dominated the first quarter 23-14 much to the pleasure of the home crowd that came out in hundreds to support the title favorites. 

In a game of high flying tempers, Oilers center Adarius Pegues was ejected in the second quarter for getting two technical fouls following an altercation with KPA's Arou Ramadhan and former Oilers forward, an event that did not change anything on court for the home side.

KPA center Desmond Owili then squared up with Stanley Ocitti in the paint while Arou had to deal with two-time Zone 5 MVP Landry Ndikumana but it was point guard Jordan Mayes that made the difference on a night when he dropped 23 points, drew seven fouls and made 10 of 13 on the charity line. 

The Mombasa side put up a stellar performance in the third quarter scoring 16 points and limiting the Oilers to 11 despite trailing 39-51. 

Mandy Juruni's side was unstoppable in the last quarter and eventually qualified for the Final much to the surprise of no one. 

"We expected to have a tough game against KPA. They are not an easy team. We are happy to be where we are.''  - Enabu

Ndikumana registered the only double double in the game with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Victor Maisiba Bosire top scored for KPA with 18 points. 

"We expected to have a tough game against KPA. They are not an easy team. We are happy to be where we are," City Oilers captain Jimmy Enabu told FIBA.basketball after the game.  

Meanwhile, Patriots of Rwanda defeated Betway Power 82-74 to set up a final with City Oilers in a repeat of the last Group A match. 

Kami Kabange and Walter Nkurunziza each scored 17 points while Elie Kaje added 12 points and picked eight rebounds.

Power assistant captain Paul Odong scored a game high 22 points but his efforts were not enough to guide his side to victory. 

The winner of this tournament will qualify for the FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2017 which will take place in Tunisia from December 8-17. 

FIBA