Basketball: KPA face REG test in quest for Zone Five title

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women’s side faces Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the Africa Women Basketball League (AWBL) Zone Five qualifier final on Saturday, November 4, with eyes on reclaiming the title they lost last year.

The two finalists won their semi-final matches played on Friday night, with the Kenyan champions picking up a 74-53 victory over Uganda's JKL Lady Dolphins while REG saw off Equity Bank Hawks 76-61 to reach the final and subsequently qualify for the continental championship slated for December in Egypt.

“We had a well-executed game plan. I am impressed with my players so far. They have maintained the expected discipline and focus in each match, and as we face REG, we will carry the same mindset of no complacency as we look to win the Zone Five title,” KPA’s Antony Ojukwu told Mozzart Sport.

In the semi-final clash, skipper Natalie Akinyi was unstoppable, scoring a game-high 22 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists to drive KPA to the win.

Ojukwu's charges jumped to a 23-10 lead in the first quarter, the 13-point advantage proving crucial as the second quarter was closely fought, with the Kenyan taking it 16-12 to carry a 17-point advantage to the break. 

Wasteful Blades eliminated from African Hockey Olympic qualifiers

Lady Dolphins played a better second half, trailing the Kenyan champions 18-14 in the third quarter, with the final one ending 17-all for the loss.

Victoria Reynolds and Selina Okumu managed double digits for KPA with 15 and 13 points, respectively, as Madina Okot had 18 rebounds to add to her 8 points.

On their part, REG came from behind to beat Kenya's Equity 76-61 and reach the final, where they renewed their group-stage rivalry with KPA.

Betty Kalanga, who played the entire 40 minutes, starred for the Rwandese side, scoring 22 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists, as Faith Hayes added 15 to the final tally. 

When the two sides met in the group stage, the Kenyan champions won 72-42 and will look to replicate the result to lift the title they lost to Alexandria Sporting of Egypt last year.