Ulinzi, EMYBA register wins in KBF Men's league

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Men's league champions Ulinzi Warriors made easy work of Umoja in a Saturday to pick their second win of the season in a 67-49 outcome. Warriors left nothing to chance as they recorded from a sloppy start to score 23 points against Umoja's ten in the first quarter of the match played at the Nyayo Indoor Arena. 

The soldiers continued their onslaught in the second quarter, capitalizing on their shooting prowess and Umoja's preference for zone defense to shoot their way to a 17-9 outcome for a 21 point lead to the breather. 

Umoja returned with renewed energy and hunger for baskets, restricting Warriors to just nine points thanks to Tiberious Menya and Ancet Wafula's treys, with Victor Bosire adding the two while William Ochieng converted one free throw for the nine. Umoja scored 14 to cut Warriors' lead to 16 points. 

A highly contested final quarter ended in Warriors taking it 18 against Umoja's 16 for the 18-point win. The William Balozi-coached military side had picked a slim 58-52 win in their league opener against Eldonets two weeks ago.

Returning Wafula, who left the side in 2018 and featured for Nairobi City Thunder in the 2019 season, had a game-high 21 points while Bosire added 14 in the win. 

Balozi was missing the services of team shooting guard Eric Mutoro and skipper John Washika who is nursing an ankle injury. Mutoro will be available for the next league match. 

"We had a better game against Umoja compared to our opener against Eldonets. Like all other teams, we are struggling with match fitness but that is work in progress and we should be performing at our full potential soon. Additionally, we failed to sink some easy shots today that would have sealed sealed win early but we are grateful for the win," said Menya who captained the side against Umoja. 

EMYBA 62-44 Terror

Meanwhile, EMYBA, who had lost their opening match against Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) two weeks ago picked their first win in a 62-44 outcome against varsity side Terror. They registered the win in quarters of 16-11, 11-12, 16-10 and 19-11. EMYBA's Eugene Adera contributed 25 points in the win while Thomas Kioko managed 12. Terror's Pharez Adala scored 18 for his side.