City Oilers made a powerful statement in the National Basketball League (NBL) quarterfinal playoffs, securing a decisive 77-62 win against JT Jaguars in the first game at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Tuesday. The defending champions, who faced challenges during the regular season, showcased a revitalized squad after acquiring reinforcements Chad Bowie and Kurt Curry Wegscheider, whose contributions proved instrumental in the victory.

The game saw a back-and-forth first quarter, with City Oilers edging out the Jaguars 22-18. However, the momentum shifted in the second quarter as JT Jaguars capitalized on opportunities, taking a 37-33 halftime lead thanks to a clutch layup by Abraham Dut. The Oilers, though, regrouped in the third quarter, expanding their advantage to 54-44 and setting the stage for a dominant final period.

In the fourth quarter, City Oilers maintained control, outscoring their opponents by 15 points to seal the win. Bowie, Maker, and Wegscheider led the charge with 16, 13, and 10 points respectively, while JT Jaguars' Peter Sifuma fought valiantly with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.

The result positions City Oilers strongly in the semifinals, with the series now poised for a potential rematch. Fans will be eager to see how the Jaguars respond in Game Two as the playoff drama continues to unfold.