Champions Meru School yesterday began their title defence with a result they never wished for after losing by a half basket to Lukenya as the 2019 Eastern Region Secondary Schools Term One games began on their home turf.
It was sweet revenge for Machakos County winners as they returned a favour to their hosts who beat them last year, also at the groups.
Meru went on to win the regional title while Lukenya, who are eying this year’s title, finished third.
Luka Majak scored an impressive 18 points to lead his side as his teammates Gabriel Bol and captain James Khan added six and seven points respectively to squeeze a narrow 41-40 win.
Steward Igane led the hosts with 15 points while Collins Macharia scored 10 even as their side, which finished fourth at last year’s national games, succumbed to pressure.
READ MORE
Kakamega and Musingu keep winning
Schools: St Mary's Yala rules handball, basketball and rugby at Nyanza games
Schools: Manyatta, Maseno and Ng'iya Girls dominate Nyanza finals
Battle of titans in the offing as six national champions fight meet
Despite the loss, Meru coach Paul Muli remained optimistic saying they still have a chance to correct their mistakes and book a place in the quarters.
“It is unfortunate we had to lose by half a basket. The boys played well but our opponents managed to go ahead of us and snatched the win. All is not lost because we still have a chance to make it to the knockout stage,” said Muli.
“We only need to ensure we make the best out of our remaining group matches.”
