Champs drop out: KPA ends Co-op Bank title hopes in basketball play-offs

Joseph Ondenyo ((left) of Co-operative bank tries to block as Ariel Okal (right) of KPA attempts to score a basket during a Kenya Basketball Federation semi final play-offs, game one of five at the Makande GYM Sunday December 07, 2014. Hosts KPA won 59-55. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) sailed to the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's Premier League finals after thrashing defending champions Co-op Bank Spartans 3-0 in the play-off semis.

KPA was steered by Samuel Ocholla, Tobias Ocholla and Martin Gitonga in winning game three 74-45 to make it 3-0 in the best of five play-offs played at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday.

The visitors had shown great intent to win. At half time, they led 37-27 before they extended the good run to victory. Samuel braved tough opposition to sink 16 points, part of which greatly contributed to KPA's first quarter's 19-9 win.

Tobias, who scored 14 points, dazzled in the second quarter which both sides tied 18-18. KPA was able to widen the gap and put pressure on their opponents in the last two quarters by winning 15-13 and 22-15. Gitonga contributed 11 points for the winners while Allan Ouma gave the losers 17.

KPA had won their game one 59-55 and game two 66-62 last weekend in the best of five series playoffs. KPA now awaits the winner between United States International University (Usiu) Tigers and Ulinzi, who proved invincible in the league second leg.

Tigers made Ulinzi to wait a little longer after pushing for game four, which was slated for last night. Ulinzi, who had comfortably won game one 70-58 and two 78-65, faltered in game three, which they lost 78-60 to the students.

Ulinzi were a pale shadow of themselves in the course of game three, which the students dominated after taking a 44-30 half-time lead.

Abel Nson's presence for Usiu Tigers was greatly felt as he contributed 16 points, which helped in the destruction of the soldiers as he steered the students to 21-19, 23-11, 19-14, 15-16 wins in the four periods.

Kevin Kigotho added 15 points for Usiu Tigers, who had vowed to annihilate the soldiers in game three, which was scheduled at the venue on Sunday evening.

Top contributors on Ulinzi side in game two were Victor Odendo with 18 points, William Ochieng with 14 and Bernard Mfutu with 15. Ulinzi had won game one 70-58.

Zetech University are on course of winning the men's Division One playoff against Dankind after triumphing in game two with a slim victory of 57-50.

Zetech, who won game one 89-76, took a 28-27 lead at the breather before Jeremy Opiyo made 19 points contribution to steer them to the win.

First quarter was a close affair although Zetech managed to win 13-12. Both teams tied 15-15 in the second but Zetech lost the third quarter 15-10. Zetech sealed their defence and cut off the assault from their opponents in the last quarter, which they dominated 19-8.

Kenya College of Accountancy University beat Umoja 64-61 in game two with Alphonce Muchiri and George Obimbo contributed 20 and 16 points while Gilbert Obiero and Joseph Dibango gave Umoja 12 and 11 points.