Mufutu faults avoidable blunders for loss to Equity

Ulinzi Warriors’ unbeaten run in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s league was halted on Friday, November 3, as the Bernard Mufutu-coached side fell 78-70 in overtime (OT) to Equity Dumas.

In a dramatic clash that produced an unbelievable 17 lead changes and seven ties, including a 64-all tie at the conclusion of regular time, the bankers capitalized on the Warriors’ clumsy show in OT to outscore the military side 14-07 for a comfortable victory.

Mufutu’s charges had raced to an early 19-15 lead in the first quarter, forcing Isaac Munywoki’s men to respond with a 16-13 score in the second stanza, heading to the break with a single point separating the two sides.

A closely fought third quarter saw Stephan Simiyu score a clutch basket for 19-18 to take a 2-point advantage into the final period. Both sides had numerous chances to win the match in regular time, but turnover after another saw the clash end in a stalemate for the OT.

“We have ourselves to blame for this loss. Turnovers in crucial moments and team fouls proved costly as, time and again, we brought Dumas back with fouls that took them to the line. We also failed to convert more than half of our free throws and missed easy baskets under the rim that would have won us the match,” offered Mufutu.

This was the military side’s first loss of the season, and while Mufutu believes they would have done better against the bankers, he says they will dust themselves up and continue their quest to reclaim the national title.

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“Having a young squad also means there will be some rookie mistakes, especially when we go up against the experienced teams, and that was evident against Dumas. I am, however, impressed with the kind of growth they have displayed,” Mufutu added, singling out center player Reagan Okere, who made his top-tier debut against the Eldonets last weekend, as impressive.

In the other Friday night clash, Nairobi City Thunder continued their unbeaten run, beating Strathmore Blades 85-61.

Action continues on Saturday and Sunday, with Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men back in action after the BAL- occasioned break.

Premier League fixtures (Nyayo Gymnasium)

Friday

Blades 61-85 Thunder 18.00 (Men)

Equity Dumas 78-70 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)