Blades looking to keep winning streak for a playoff berth

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) 2017 men’s league finalists Strathmore Blades posted mixed results over the weekend, falling to title-chasing Equity Bank before registering a hard-fought victory against the University of Nairobi (UoN) Terror.

Skipper Safari Dheno believes that the win in the varsity derby gives the side the morale to fight for victories in the remaining matches as the Tony Ochieng-coached side look to make the eight-team playoffs.

“Coming off the loss to Equity, we badly needed a win and had to fight for it. Terror are not an easy side and we had to run a tight defence, deny them scoring chances and play to our strengths for the win. Remaining composed even when trailing worked for us. This win gives us the momentum to handle the upcoming matches which are tougher," said Dheno. 

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Against Terror, Ochieng’s charges led 13-9 at the first quarter but allowed the Eugene Genga side to score 21 in the second quarter to lead 28-30 at the break. Terror still led 39-45 at the end of the third period but Brandon Ouche scored 12 of his 17 points, and Blades’ 19, in the final quarter to help the side take a 58-54 victory. 

Against Equity, the varsity side took the lead early in the first quarter in a 12-5 scoreline forcing the bankers into a timeout to re-strategize. The bankers, however, assumed control of the match at 13-15 and held a slim half a basket advantage at the end of the period at 18-19. 

The second quarter was a see-saw with the varsity side snapping from a relapse where they had allowed the Carey Odhiambo-led side to take a six-point lead at 18-24 to assume lead at 25-24 and hold on for a 31-29 advantage at the break. 

Blades face Equity, Terror test in quest for playoff slot

On resumption, Ochieng’s side extended their advantage to six points at 36-30 in the first three minutes of the period and held on for a 44-43 lead heading to the final quarter. Odhiambo’s charges, however, beat the varsity side in the final period as they scored 27 against 17 for the 70-61 victory. 

“It was a tough but deserved win,” said Equity skipper Victor Ochieng after the Blades match. “In the final period, we had to use a different tactic as they seemed to match our play for play. We put them under pressure while on the ball and they lost their concentration and made rushed decisions which worked in our favour.”

Meanwhile, the bankers completed a perfect weekend, winning 69-47 against returning Embakasi Youth (EMYBA).