L. MathekaBball Playoffs: Odhiambo rallies Dumas in quest for maiden title
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 03.06.23. | 12:01
The women's match is scheduled for 2pm with the men in action from 4 pm across the three days
Equity Bank Dumas line up for Game Three of the ongoing Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s playoff final against hosts Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) eager to go ahead in the best-of-five series.
Coach Carey ‘T9’ Odhiambo’s charges have their work cut out against a highly effective KPA side that now has the home advantage in the three matches to be played at Makande.
In their last trip to Mombasa, the bankers scraped a 72-70 win against the dockers, but T9 maintains that the playoffs and in particular the final is a different ball game and that feat is behind them.
“Yes, it is an important statistic as it gives us hope and confidence that we can win here but we are also careful not to be complacent. The conditions are different and so are the stakes.
I believe that the two teams can match up tactically so winning comes down to attitude and effort. We are carrying a positive one and remaining focused on the ultimate prize, while still handling one game at a time.
This is the last part of a good run and we are here to win. It will not be easy but I am urging the players to keep fighting to the last whistle,” the tactician offered.
Job Byron and Eugene Adera have been instrumental for the defending champions in Game One and Two, scoring 19 and 11 respectively in a 62-53 win in the series-opening match.
Victor Bosire has been consistent for Dumas in the two matches, scoring 16, as did James Mwangi, in the 70-69 victory to level the series. He had a similar tally in the Game One loss and could be key for the bankers in Mombasa.
Dumas eeh! Dumas aah! Join us this Friday and Saturday to cheer on Equity Dumas Basketball team as they go head to head with rivals Kenya Ports Authority in the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League Finals. The winner will qualify for the Basketball Africa League. pic.twitter.com/g5GViHIIJh
— Equity Bank Kenya (@KeEquityBank) May 26, 2023
Coach Antony Ojukwu is on the verge of guiding the women’s team to an unbeaten title defense but what’s more he has set his sights on winning the double as he was given the reigns to guide the men’s team in the playoffs.
The women’s series has the dockers leading the series 2-0 (68-38. 70-38) against debutants Zetech Sparks. It remains to be seen whether coach Maurice Obilo’s charges have it in them to force a Game Four.
