Ulinzi, Equity tie series to set up decider clash

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's league champions Ulinzi Warriors still have a chance to proceed tk the last four of the ongoing playoffs after beating Kisumu Lakeside 77-57 in Game Two of the best-of-three quarters.

Warriors came into the match needing a win having lost Game One away in Kisumu and wasted no time in showing intend as they went ahead 19-10 in the first quarter. 

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Lakeside kept scores in the second quarter close as Warrior won the period 13-9 as the soldiers headed to the break with a 13-point advantage.

The William Balozi-led military side dominated the second half scoring 23-17 and 22-21 for the 20-point victory that leveled the series 1-1 setting up for a deciding Game Three. 

Valentine Nyakinda (17), Victor Bosire (6) and Antonio Bwire who were unavailable for for the soldiers away in Kisumu stepped up to help the champions remain in the tite-defence campaign. 

"The three who returned for Game Two have boosted our chances and added to our depth. We bring our A-game on Sunday and I believe we will prevail in Game Three to proceed to the semis," said Warriors' skipper Eric Mutoro who managed eight points in the win. 

Head coach Balozi also shared in Mutoro's optimism to reach the semis. "I am impressed by my players in this match. Everyone played their role and stuck to the game plan. We go again on Sunday,aiming for nothing short of a win," he offered. 

On their part Lakeside are looking to spoil the party for the soldiers, handing them am early exit in the playoffs and skipper Cilla Derrick remains confident it is possible. 

"Every other aspect of our game was perfect but for our defensive transition. If we work on that we will be hone and dry and get a realistic chance at winning the series 2-1," Derrick said. 

Meawhile, Equity Bank find themselves in a similar predicament as they look to beat University students, Terror, in Game Three and break the quarters jinx to reach the last four. 

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The bankers dominated Game Two to level the series 1-1 with a hard-fought 59-35. The varsity side only remained competitive in the first half despite Equity winning 13-16 and 19-17. The third quarter was a different ball game as the banker blew out the scores with a 8-17 outcome. The final period ended 4-9 in favour of Equity for the victory. 

In the other quarter final pairings, Strathmore University Blades swept last season's losing finalists Nairobi City Thunder 2-0 after picking a 61-53 victory in Game Two. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) are also through to the semis after a 2-0 sweep of Eldonets. 

The dockers meet the winner between Equity Bank and Terror while Tony Ochieng-coached Blades face the winner between Warriors and Lakeside. 

"We dominated the quarters against last season's finalists and that gives us the momentum and confidence to face the upcoming opposition which will be tougher. I believe in my players and I am confident we can go all the way," said Ochieng.