Lumumba fires Dynamites to fifth victory

June Lumumba and Lynn Vanessa starred for University of Nairobi Dynamites as the side thrashed Kisumu Lady Bucks 64-40 in a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women's league match played at the UoN grounds on Saturday. 

The Juma Kent charges were the better side dominating in all aspects to score 46 points on the paint against Lady Bucks' 18 and 24 on fast breaks against 11 while still maintaining the status quo on points from turnovers, second chances and bench. 

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Lumumba scored 12 points while Vanessa added ten to the tally in a match that the varsity side took an early 13-6 lead in the first five minutes of the first quarter that ended 17-7 in favour of the hosts. 

In the second quarter, the visitors stepped up to score 13 points while restricting Dynamites to a similar score but Kent's charges were still riding on the first quarter dominance heading to the break with a ten-point advantage. 

"We are still struggling with fitness given the long break we had but I am happy that the players delivered. Had Bucks had a full bench, we would have a more difficult game," coach Kent. 

Dynamites continued their onslaught in the second half scoring 18-11 in the third quarter to lead 48-31 at the end of the period despite Elsa Ndong's brilliance for Lady Bucks, scoring 17 in the match. 

The final period ended 16-9 in favour of the varsity side. Bucks, who had six players on their bench had no chance against Kent's full bench that had the luxury of rotation. 

"Our strategy was to play man-to-man defence and tire them since they had few players on bench then go for baskets when they cannot defend. We also had the opportunity to rotate our bench and keep us fresh. 

However, they stepped up in the second quarter and managed to hold the team that was subbed in for the second period," offered skipper Shalon Gacheri. 

Dynamites play Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Lynx on Sunday in match that Kent believe will be tougher for his charges. 

"Lynx are quicker than Bycks so we will have a different strategy. We have to make use of our hight advantage," Kent said adding that he is hoping that his key players who were not at their best on Saturday will step up.