Regional champions KPA continues with unbeaten run in the league

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Fiba Africa Zone V Clubs Basketball Champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) continued with their unbeaten run as they resumed the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) women Premier League at the weekend.

Visiting KPA edged Strathmore University 37-27 in a low scoring tedious encounter held at Upper Hill School in Nairobi. The match opening quarter was closely contested before the students lost steam to give KPA lee way to win 15-12.

The same circus played on in the second quarter which was a bit cutthroat, but KPA were able to clinch the quarter with half a basket advantage of 11-10 before the sides proceeded for break with the dockers leading the pack 26-22.

Both teams packed their defence well on resumption, denying shooting guards from both sides any chance of finding the rim in the remaining quarters. The defensive nature of the game resulted to  a low scoring affair in the remaining quarters with KPA winning the third period 05-02 and the last one 06-03.

Natalie Akinyi was the highest scorer with 13 points for the winners. Susan Amanya had eight points for the students. KPA assistant coach Phillip Onyango said their charges were not inspired with the outdoor nature of the game hence the total lack of morale to rake in points despite the victory.

“We are used to training and playing indoors, inside a gymnasium. The court at Upper Hill School is in an open place which we are yet to accustom ourselves to. The rim backboard is also very hard hence most of the balls bounced wayward hindering scoring,” he said.

Nonetheless, Onyango was glad that his side managed to keep their unbeaten run in the league which is now in its penultimate stage as teams are scrambling for the playoffs slots.

“We had an unbeaten record in the first leg which we have still managed to carry in the second leg, our aim is to finish on top of the log, we are taking one game at a time as we look forward to sail to the playoffs and eventually win this trophy,” said Onyango.

Onyango said their bid to keep unbeaten record in this year’s league will be tested this weekend as they host 2013 final tour bronze medalists Eagle Wings at their Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa.

“It will be a tough match but KPA has no option but to win, the good thing is we will be at home and will be playing indoors which we are used to,” he said.

The other  four remaining KPA fixtures including against Equity Bank, Co-op Bank and Kenyatta University Oryx will be played at home in Mombasa. KPA head coach Anthony Ojukwu said they are also using the league to test some of the techniques and skills they are currently learning in training ahead of their Fiba final tour in Maputo, Mozambique in December.

Meanwhile, KPA men had mixed results at the weekend. They lost 39-36 to Blades before earning a 20-00 walkover against Nakuru Club who did not show up at the venue.

Fact Box KBF Premier League results KPA    37                    Strathmore University                        27(women)

KPA    36                    Blades                                                39

KPA    20                    Nakuru Club                          00(walkover)

Nairobi Basketball Association quarter finals playoffs results

Jkuat Juja        48                    Safe

Spaces    40

Daystar           49                   Saints              

43

Kemu              81                    Kivuli             

50

Strathmore      52                   Kciti                

48

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