Dramatic victory for Panthers in clash against Dynamites

In the last 14 seconds of a closely contested but poorly attended Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women's league match pitting Africa Nazarene University (ANU) Panthers and University of Nairobi (UoN) Dynamites it was anyone's game. 

The varsity sides had traded leads numerous times in the four quarters and more was yet to come in those few seconds. Everyone who had Galen time to watch the match had been thoroughly entertained no doubt, but was was about to unfold none could predict. 

Dynamites needed to make their attacks count as Panthers led 60-58 at this point. Lyn Maywa scored to make it 62-58 but Alisha Ellora and Faith Atieno stepped on the free throw line to bring Dynamites to within a point of equaling the score. 

At this point, the time had run to just four seconds on the clock and coach Juma Kent's charges could see the match slipping off their fingers. 

On possession and with time quickly running out, Dynamites needed a miracle and Atieno delivered a magical trey that send the few fans in the gym to a frenzy as those supporting Panthers were left with hands on thier faces wondering if this was it for their sides efforts. 

Dynamites players were on the floor celebrating Atieno's prowess beyond the arc which had given them a 64-63 advantage. You'd think that was the end, right? Wrong! The refereees adjudged that there was still a second left on the clock and that was all the hope Panthers needed.  

Oluoch's charges had a chance to catch and shoot and Ann Naykio took it and delivered a trey of her own to sent the ANU bench, fans and prayers alike into mad celebrations. 

Nyakio had been on the floor for 27:08 minutes in the match but she only needed a single second to make a huge difference for her side. Before her match-winning three pointer, she had only managed one basket. 

"It was a good game, I give credit to ANU as they came out hard and made it as tough as we anticipated. They wanted it more and worked for it.

However, the officiating was pathetic and I say this not because my team lost. That final score should not have counted as the time had already elapsed before she made the shot," Kent said. 

In the first quarter Dynamites led 6-1 as Panthers took their time to settle in the match. The Mike Oluoch-led Panthers managed to snap back and equal the score at six as the two sides went on to tie 15 at the end of the first quarter. 

The second quarter was a see-saw with the scores tied on several occasions and each side quilty of turning the ball over on numerous scoring opportunities. Kent's charges scored 22 against 20 in the period to carry the slight advantage to the break. 

Panthers came off the locker rooms determined to turn the tide in their favour and scored 14 while restricting Dynamites to six for the biggest difference in the match heading to the final quarter where all the drama happened, after Dynamites were able to cut their deficit. 

"We knew it will be a tough game as Dynamites are good but I never saw it going this close and being decided in the final second. We are happy for the win. I am glad for the win," offered an elated Oluoch. 

He continued, "In the last seconds we had three timeouts and in the first two my players did not follow instructions. Luckily, they did when it mattered and we got the win. 

Nyakio had been unsettled throughout the match but I am happy she was able to overcome the jitters to make that all-important shot. Normally she is a good shooter but in this match she had been off."