Bwire stars as Warriors dominate Terror

Ulinzi Warriors beating University of Nairobi (UoN) Terror in their backyard in a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s league match is not news but forward Antonio Bwire was The Soldiers’ surprise package as he produced a man-of-the-match performance to help his side pick a comfortable win. 

The two sides tied at ten points in a low-scoring first quarter but Bwire and John Washika came to life in the second quarter scoring seven and six points respectively to help the William Balozi-coached side to take a ten-point lead at 30-20 going into the break. Five of Bwire’s seven points in the quarter were from the line. 

He kept the fire going into the third quarter, sinking back-to-back treys for another six points that got the Warriors’ off to a good start to score 21 points against the varsity side’s nine to put the match away from Eugene Ngenga charges’ reach. The final quarter ended 20-18 in favour of The Soldiers with Terror’s attempt at a comeback flopping. 

Ulinzi out to tame Terror in KBF's only assured Premier League match

Bwire, who was on the court for 20 minutes and Washika, who played for 34, were joined in the top scorers chat by Joseph Owino. The trio managed 13 points each with Washika, who has always been the Warriors’ go-to person in rebounding living up to his billing with five offensive and as many defensive rebounds. Owino managed four offensive rebounds and three on the defence while Bwire had four on the defence. 

“We struggled to find our footing in the first quarter hence the score but when the players settled we played our game and stuck to our game plan. It was a tough match after a long layoff but the squad did not disappoint. I was particularly impressed with Bwire. He had a good match, made use of the opponent’s team fouls and did not miss a free throw. He also made 50 per cent of his three-point attempts,” said Balozi. 

Bwire, on his part, remained humble in the midst of high praise from the tactician arguing that it was a team effort and he was just eager to play after the long layoff. 

“It felt good getting back since that loss in Kisumu and we were all raring to go. The team spirit was at an all-time high and we stuck to our game plan even while under pressure from our opponent who had home-court advantage. It was also a huge adjustment given that we train indoors but everything worked well and we came out victorious,” Bwire offered.

 The KBF defending champions have now won five of the six matches played, having gone down 61-59 to Kisumu Lakeside in their only loss this season.