Hawks, KPA one match away from booking KBF final slot

Mellisa Akinyi's efficiency beyond the arc for Equity Hawks, contributing 17 points for the side catapulted the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women's champions to a 58-66 win over Zetech Sparks on Sunday to move closer to the playoff final. 

The David Maina-led side had endured a turbulent Game One on Saturday, winning by five points and needed to give a better account of themselves in Game Two. 

The bankers never gave Sparks a chance, leading the first period 22-16 and adding 14 against seven in the second quarter to lead by 13 going into the breather. 

"We were under alot of pressure in Game One but the players were composed in Game Two. We never gave them a chance. I am happy our defense worked though there is still alot to work on. I could see we have some mismatches which is not a good situation to be in against good teams. It is not over yet, we still have a Game Three to win to book that final slot," said coach Maina. 

He continued  "I am, however, worried about consistency in officiating and I have even told the referees this. Rarely do my players get into foul trouble but the officiating in the playoffs is wanting." 

In the second half of the encounter, Hawks seemed to have depleted their energy reserves and Sparks took advantage, cutting their deficit to just four points. 

However, Maina's charges managed to pull away again. Sparks scored 18 in the third period while the champions managed 14 to extend their advantage. The final quarter was closely fought with Sparks scoring 17 against Hawks' 16 but the damage had already been done. 

"We had good energy the entire match and I am happy we corrected on our free throws which were our main undoing in Game One. The players pushed themselves on Saturday and they struggled with defense. However, we still have a chance in Game Three and we will take it," said Sparks' head coach Maurice Obilo adding that he had no problems with the day's officiating. 

Meanwhile, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) continued their onslaught on Storms, winning Game Two 61-89. The Antony Ojukwu-led side are one win away from booking a place in the best-of-five final series. 

"I'm not underating my opponents but I'm done with this series. No offense but I'm just preparing them mentally that Makande is a slaughterhouse. I cannot remember the last time I lost a match at home and I believe we are not about to. We had a good game and we ride on the same momentum to finish off on a high." Said Ojukwu.