Basketball: Thunder, Equity light up Friday night action

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s league leaders Nairobi City Thunder and second-placed Ulinzi Warriors are in action on Friday 3 November night as the two sides look to continue their unbeaten runs.

Action tips off at 6 pm with Brad Ibs’ charges Thunder going head-to-head with Strathmore Blades in a clash that the former are a clear favourite, but the varsity side is not to be wished away.

Under the tutelage of Tony Ochieng, Blades who lost some key players at the beginning of the season, two of whom they face tonight, have struggled to post consistent results and have their work cut out against the star-studded Thunder.

Meanwhile, Equity Bank Dumas who have since put their slow start behind them host rivals Ulinzi Warriors in a clash that has all the ingredients of a thriller.

The Isaac Munywoki-led bankers will be out to subject the military side to their first defeat of the season and they have the squad to do that.

On their part, Warriors, fresh from picking an away win against Eldonets Platinum last weekend, are keen to keep their winning streak going. Coach Bernard Mufutu has a mix of young and experienced players up for selection.

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Asked how he would handle the bankers, Mufutu, always modest in his assessment declared his squad ready but called for caution and a fighting spirit from start to finish.

“Defensively we had some work to do after our away win to Eldonets and we have had a week to make the necessary changes and adjustments. We are ready for Equity,” Mufutu offered.

The two matches open the way for an action-filled weekend that will see Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) resume their title defense journey after taking a break to play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers.

The men’s league champions play Blades on Saturday before taking on University of Nairobi (UoN) Terror on Sunday.

Premier League fixtures (Nyayo Gymnasium)

Friday

Blades vs Thunder 18.00 (Men)

Equity Dumas vs Ulinzi Warriors 20.00 (Men)

Saturday

USIU Flames vs ANU Panthers 10.30 (Women)

K U Pirates vs ABSA 14.00 (Men)

ANU Wolfpacks vs Eldonets Platinum 16.00 (Men)

Blades vs KPA 18.00 (Men)

Sunday

Terror vs KPA 14.00 (Men)

Equity Dumas vs Eldonets Platinum 16.00 (Men)