KBF Premier League: Champions Thunder strike Eldonets Platinum
Basketball
By
Elizabeth Mburugu
| Jan 19, 2025
Champions Nairobi City Thunder continued with their winning ways trouncing Eldonets Platinum 71-55 in a Kenya Basketball Federation men's Premier League match played at Uasin Gishu High School, Eldoret.
Thunder who are keen to successful defend their title returned to local action after their international exploits that saw them write history as they qualified for the 2025 Basketball Africa League.
Their victory in Eldoret ended Platinum's unbeaten run.
Thunder Team Manager Bernet Ojay said that they had expected a tough match since their opponents had not lost their previous encounters.
"We went into the match prepared because our opponents have had a good run. It was our first league game in months because of the international schedule. We were very excited to be back," Ojay said.
Thunder won the match in the first half with the duo of captan Tylor Ongwae and Ariel Okall leading from the front. A 19-point half-time lead left no room for Platinum forcing them to succumb to their first defeat of the season.
Okall top scored for Thunder with 14 points same as Platinum's Meshack Oloo while Ongwae added 13 with Eugene Adera and Fidel Okoth adding 10 points apiece for the champions.
Withcoach Bradley Ibs resting Garang Diing, Derrick Ogechi and Griffin Ligare who is back from injury, Okall and Ongwae took charge of the game as the visitors ruled the court for a 25-16 first quarter lead.
Thunder dominated the second period for a commanding 49-30 score at half-time. Platinum scored 25 points in the second half against Thunders 22 but it was a little too late to salvage the match.
In another men's encounter, Umoja beat Equity Bank Dumas 87-73 to register their third win of the season.
Today, Umoja will lock horns with former champions Ulinzi Warriors as they look to cement their place in the top eight and remain on course to securing a playoffs slot.
It was a bad day in office for the Eldoret-based sides as Eldonets ladies lost to Th3 Swish in their women's Premier League tie at the same venue.
Eldonets Veronica Aloel's match-high 21 points were not good enough to save her side from a narrow 61-64 loss to their guests.
Th3 Swish made their intentions to bag maximum points known from the onset as they settled into the match fast to take a six-point lead with the first quarter ending 18-13.
Backed by their fans, Eldonets were more rejuvenated in the second period sinking 26 points against Th3 Swish's 21 for a 39-all score at the breather.
On resumption, the homegirls controlled a dull third quarter taking it 11-5 for a six-point advantage going into the final period.
With a much-needed victory at stake, Th3 Swish regained their footing to score 20 points against their hosts 11 to chalk their second win of the season.