2023 FIBA AfroCan: Impressive Ogechi steers Morans to victory in Luanda

A masterful 19 points performance from Morans debutant Derrick Ogechi was the start that the Kenya men’s national basketball side needed, as they cruised to a decent 62-52 victory over Ivory Coast in the opening game of the 2023 FIBA AfroCan Tournament held at the Kilamba Arena in Luanda, Angola on Saturday afternoon.

The shooting guard out of Midwestern State University didn’t need any introductions to the team as he was well on to a big game from the tip, nicking the game’s first points, came up with big plays when Kenya’s lead seemed to grow thin, to scoring the last basket for the team, to all but put up a statement win for Kenya - and the lead in Group A of the 12 -nation championships.

“Just came out here ready to play the game,” Ogechi said in a courtside interview after the game. “My teammates had been urging me to keep shooting, I just let it fly.”

Even as per his assessment, he felt his outside shot was working early on, and so it was, as he led the team in field goal shooting - connecting 41% of his shots, and hit three of his eight three pointers, not forgetting his eight rebounds that came only second to big man Bush Wamukota’s 19.

It was a pretty good start from Kenya into the game as they only trailed once - falling to a single point deficit with the scores at 5-4 - but came out strong with a couple of points from Fidel Okoth, Ogechi and Bush Wamukota.

Another debutant - KBF MVP Eugene Adera - proved to be a valuable piece for the Kenyan offense as he lit up late in the 15-10 first quarter lead to hit a couple of jumpers, made his impact in the paint, and all in the midst of a Griffin Ligare, Brian Shivachi onslaught, that saw Kenya hold a 26-24 lead midway in the second quarter.

League MVP relishing Morans debut as AfroCan gets underway

Whenever a three was needed, Ogechi was there to answer the call, as he did it first with 2:44 left to see Kenya take a 34-27 lead at the half

Everyone was having a proper imprint on the game- and so it was reflected as all players bar Kennedy Wachira, Victor Ochieng and Ariel Ortega - finished the game without a point; with all making due with less minutes on the floor.

A 15-15 third quarter was then followed up with a 13-10 fourth quarter win, to all but ice the first game of the second edition of these games, and take a deserved lead of Group A.

Ligare was Kenya’s second leading scorer with 13 points and with Wamukota commanding the glass with 19 rebounds.

Adera contributed eight points and a +10 efficiency with him on the floor.

With game one done and dusted, Kenya will take a day of rest before coming out for their second group game against Gabon on Monday 10 July at 1130 EAT.