Terror test for Equity in race for KBF title

Carey Odhiambo's Equity Bank begin their hunt for a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's league semis berth on Sunday 23 January. 

The bankers take on varsity side Terror in Game One of the best-of-three quarters at Nyayo Indoor Arena from 4 pm. 

Odhiambo's charges finished third on the regular league log at 39 points while the Eugene Genga-led students were sixth on the log, eight points behind their opponents for the day. 

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If the regular league results are anything to go by, the bankers have an upper hand as they won both home and away matches at 71-58 and 65-35. However, the playoffs are a different ball game, and the first day of action, Saturday, sprung its surprises. 

Ahead of the match, the bankers' tactician says they are ready for action. "We approach the game. With the respect and seriousness, it deserves. There is no room for complacency. That they have qualified for the playoffs means they have the quality to compete so we cannot underrate them."

Genga, on his part, acknowledged that Equity have an edge over his side but was quick to add that they are out to give a good account of themselves against an experienced side. 

"Equity have experience and depth. The odds are really against us but we will do our best in our first premier playoff experience since 2007. We will try to enjoy the experience, take a game a time, do our best, and see how far we can go. As much as we have crashed the party, we hope to give a good account of ourselves," he offered. 

Meanwhile, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women are looking to book their semis slot as they take on seemingly hapless Strathmore Swords in Game Two. 

The dockers were unstoppable in Game One that they easily won 67-27 and nothing should stop them from sealing their semis slot and saving the varsity side the away trip to Makande. 

Women's league champions, Equity Hawks, on their side, begin their title defence against Africa Nazarene University on Sunday as well. 

This is another mismatch between the second-place finishers and the seventh-placed varsity going by the regular league scores. The first leg encounter saw the holders pick a 55-point win and a 16-point victory in the return leg. 

ANU tactician Mike Oluoch says that while Hawks are a good team with a lot of experienced players and to top it off are defending champions, his charges will put up a fight. "It is not going to be an easy game for us but we are coming to fight and give them a run for their money."