Dumas reign supreme in tight battle against Ulinzi Warriors
Ulinzi Warriors lost home court advantage on Saturday when they fell by a single basket to visitors Equity Dumas in a thrilling encounter that ended in a 58-57 result during a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF)-Premier League game played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The titanic clash saw the Soldiers lead in the first two quarters with Bernard Mufutu’s men taking the first quarter 15-12 and the second quarter ending 28-25. However the Dumas side under veteran Coach Carey Odhiambo turned the tables with decent basketball with the final score almost seeming short given the quality left out on the court.
Dumas James Mwangi was top scorer in the game with 15 points to his name with his contribution including 14 rebounds and four field goals. His average free goals on the two point and three pointers was 25 per cent in terms of conversion. Faheem Juma and Lenson Kisia on 12 points and 11 points respectively, helped in the cause for the Bankers. Juma had an average of 36 per cent on free goals and 50 per cent on on two pointer-free goals.
The hosts on their side pushed hard for the win and had crowd support but just fell short after the final whistle. Warriors key men on the ball were Byron Wasilwa (13 points) and Derrick Ochieng (12 points) who were the only ones with double digits. Dumas were all over the Ulinzi spaces making them fail to make clear-cut chances.
In other Men’s Premier League held at Makande, defending champions Kenya Ports Authority saw off African Nazarene University 63-30. Incidentally, ANU-Wolfpacks were the brighter starters taking a 11-08 lead in the opening quarter.
However KPA in their typical experience mode came alive with quality basketball pinning their opponents at their territory. South Sudanese star Leek Leek lead the charts on 17 points and Tobias Odumbe on 15 points while on the other end,Paul Raburu led the scores with 12 points.
Meanwhile in the Women’s Premier League,reigning champions Kenya Ports Authority were ruthless following a 88-30 whipping of visitors Africa Nazarene University Panthers. Anthony Ojukwu’s men were on point both offensively and aggressive at the defense with Panthers left in shock and pain.
KPA led comfortably across all quarters with Natalie Akinyi and Ifunaya Okoro being the mainstay of the multiple league winners. Panthers had little response against the well-polished KPA who were more quick and precise with their movement,shots and scores. The Panthers more than lacked for their lack of quality finishing when they also became porous at the back.
In another game Sunday,Zetech Sparks who are second in the log,took apart Eagle Wings 84-15 in a one sided show at Ulinzi Complex. Sparks dominated from start to finish with Head Coach Maurice Obilo always giving out instructions. The University side led 27-04 in the first quarter before taking the charge further in the subsequent phases (19-06/19-02/19-19-03).Wings under Coach Eunice Ouma had poor execution and defended badly throughout the game hence the punishment.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) Lynx beat UON Dynamites 51-33 in a game that could well help shape their relegation dog-fight.
