KBF Playoffs: KPA show signs of cracking as semis get underway
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 23.06.24. | 09:04
On Sunday afternoon, Equity Bank sides Dumas men and Hawks women look to level their respective series against Nairobi City Thunder and Zetech Sparks
Kenya Ports Authority's (KPA) men’s basketball team struggled to beat a zealous Strathmore Blades 64-60 in a high-octane match played at the Nyayo gymnasium on Saturday, June 22, setting the stage for an exhilarating best-of-five semis series.
The Cliff Owuor-coached Dockers trailed 16-12 after the first quarter, with Denis Koja and Timothy Ayieko combining for half of the points scored in the period.
Job Byron orchestrated a KPA comeback as the Dockers outscored the Blades 20-16 in the second quarter for the match to head to the breather on a 32-all stalemate.
From then on, it was a see-saw as the two sides exchanged leads, much to the excitement of the sizable crowd that had gathered, mostly cheering for the varsity side. The Tony Ochieng-coached students, however, still trailed by four going to the final stanza that ended 16-16 for the KPA win.
As they head to Game Two, slated for Sunday, June 23, the Blades will look to build on their momentum and level the series ahead of their away trip to KPA’s backyard, Makande Hall, where the rest of the series will be concluded.
“KPA are a very physical side and that made the match tough, making us miss some chances, especially in the second quarter where they caught up after our good start. Only a few areas need improving in Game Two as we look to level the series,” coach Ochieng offered.
Meanwhile, their women’s team had a better show against the resilient Strathmore Swords, coming from behind to win Game One 63-48. In a rather slow start for the Antony Ojukwu charges, found themselves in unfamiliar territory, going down 17-11 to the students.
Experience would, however, see the Dockers turn the match on its head, going on an 18-05 run in the second quarter to take the lead. A close second-half performance where KPA took the two quarters 15-13 and 19-13 gave them a 15-point win.
“We had a good start but a few mistakes in the second quarter saw KPA use their experience to punish us. I am, however, impressed with the display from my team, with two key players missing out. I hope we can build on this momentum and push for a win in Game Two on Sunday,” Swords head coach Ronnie Owino told Mozzart Sport.
His opposite, Ojukwu, expressed dissatisfaction with his side’s performance while acknowledging their fight to come back. He hopes for a better show in Game Two.
The other semi-final series will see Equity Bank sides Dumas men and Hawks women look to level their respective series against Nairobi City Thunder and Zetech Sparks.
