Oilers players in action. File photo

National Basketball League

Playoffs Semifinal, Game 5

 Oilers v Sommet

First, the City Oilers had their backs against the wall after getting smacked in Game 1.

Then, the Sommet Spartans were on the hot seat after losing Games 2 and 3. But Game 4 swung the pendulum back in their favour, as they edged the Oilers 86-83.

Today, though, this playoff battle comes to an end. The winner of Game 5 at the YMCA claims the series and progresses to the National Basketball League (NBL) Finals, where the Namuwongo Blazers are waiting.

The storied Oilers have played five playoff deciders in their history, but only once was that in the playoff semifinals, back in 2014 against the UCU Canons. Back then, they bounced back from a 2-0 hole to win three straight games and reach their second NBL Final. 

All their other deciders came in the Finals. One thing, however, remains constant: the Oilers have never lost a playoff series.

Nor have Sommet, who, as NBL debutants, are playing only their second playoff series in the top flight.

What a story it would be if Sommet did to the Oilers what many greater clubs failed to do... at the first time of asking. And how predictable would it be if the Oilers turned up and finished off another series again?

What will it be?