KPA sink USIU to the semis in play-offs

Alex Lugasi (right) of KPA goes for a score against Alex Ramazan (left) of USIU Africa during a Kenya Basketball Federation quarter finals play-offs game one at the Makande Gym, November 20, 2016. KPA won 69-65. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Visiting Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have won 2-0 against United States International University (USIU) to sail to the semis of Kenya Basketball Federation men’s Premier League playoffs.

KPA, who won Game One 65-60 in Mombasa the other weekend, won Game Two 63-51 at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi on Saturday evening.

The weekend win in the best of three quarters playoff has seen KPA make it to the playoffs alongside Ulinzi Warriors, Co-op Bank and Thunder.

Game Two was a tight affair in the first two quarters before the break even though the dockers pulled a slim 17-16 and 14-12 to lead 31-28 at half time.

USIU failed to carry on with the good run on resumption which saw them slump to 16-13 and 16-10 defeats in the third and fourth quarters.

Martin Kitonga managed 12 points for KPA Kevin Kigotho had 12 for the students.

Even though defeated,USIU head coach Isaac Munyoki was hopeful his side will do proper recruitment that will see them be a force to reckon with next season.

“We finished runners up behind Ulinzi last season but this season we haven’t been sparkling both at home and at the Africa Zone Zone V Clubs Basketball Championship.We will review our mistakes and also do worthy recruitments to enable us be magnificent next season,” said Munyoki.

KPA head coach Anthony Ojukwu had indicated early before the playoffs commenced that they have resolved to be the surprise package in the race to the men’s title this year.

At the same time Strathmore University grabbed their Game One by edging Co-op Bank 46-43 in the women’s Premier League quarters playoff.