Ulinzi Warriors labour past Terror for fourth KBF victory

Former Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's champions Ulinzi Warriors struggled to pick a win against varsity side University of Nairobi Terror in their fourth league match played at Nyayo Indoor Arena. 

The soldiers picked a 47-41 victory in a low-scoring encounter that saw the Bernard Mufutu-led side recover from a five-point deficit in the last quarter of the match for victory. 

Warriors were the better side in the first quarter but only managed 15 points, pointing to a troubled performance with many missed shots, against Terror's eight points.

Tables turned in the second period as Ulinzi managed two points in the first five minutes as the students rallied to come to within a point at 17-16. The scoreline must have jolted the soldiers into action as they attempted to build a cushion but could only manage to get to 25-20. 

"It was a tough match but I like the way the squad showed character even when we were down more than five points. We made crucial stops to try and contain Terror when we were trailing. The final score notwithstanding, I feel we defended our boards better. However, we still have some lapses that need to be addressed," said Mufutu. 

In the second half, the varsity side assumed lead at 29-30 and went on to lead by four points in the first five minutes, sending their fanbase and bench into celebratory mode. 

Warriors managed to slow the students down in the last five minutes of the third quarter, restricting them to three points but could only score five to trail by two points at 34-36 heading to the final quarter. 

Sensing danger, the soldiers needed a quick fix and their go-to move was denying Terror the scoring chances. The match was tied at 41 points with five minutes left on the clock and experience paid off for Mufutu's charges who managed to score six points while restricting Terror to none for victory. 

"We had targeted their main players who are good shooters and purposed to cut their three-point shots. However, my players did not guard their paint well and that is where we lost the match.

Towards the end of the match, their experienced showed and we could not contain them. We have to go back and work on how to close matches and handle pressure for the entire match. 

There was also some sense of complacency when we took the lead. It got to the players' heads, which is expected of a squad as young as Terror. However, we have to grow mentally and not allow such affect our performance," said Terror's head coach Eugene Genga adding that this was a first match and the team had barely prepared.