KPA, REG make final to qualify for Africa Women Basketball League

Selina Okumu in action during the FIVA Zone V qualifiers.[FIBA]

Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) will represent Zone Five at this year's FIBA Africa Women Basketball League (AWBL) slated for December in Egypt. 

The Kenyan champions KPA picked a 74-53 victory against Uganda's JKL Lady Dolphins while REG saw off Equity Bank Hawks 76-61 to reach the final and subsequently qualify for the continental championship. 

All along a somewhat sleeping giant offensively, skipper Natalie Akinyi was unstoppable, knocking down a game-high 22 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 assists to drive KPA to the win. 

Antony Ojukwu's charges jumped to a 23-10 lead in the first quarter, the 13-point advantage proving crucial as the second quarter was closely fought, the Kenyan taking it 16-12 to carry a 17-point advantage to the break. 

Lady Dolphins played a better second half, trailing the Kenyan champions 18-14 in the third quarter, the final one ending 17-all for the loss. 

Victoria Reynolds and Selina Okumu managed double digits for KPA with 15 and 13 points respectively as Madina Okot stood tall with 18 rebounds to add to her 8 points. Mary Moses Aminayo was the only Ugandan to hit double digits with 16 points in the side's loss.

On their part, REG came from behind to beat Kenya's Equity 76-61 and reach the final where they renew group-stage rivalry with KPA. 

Betty Kalanga who played the entire 40 minutes stared for the Rwandese side scoring 22 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists as Faith Hayes added 15 to the final tally. 

The bankers had led 20-16 in the first quarter but REG recovered in a 19-16 second-quarter outcome to see the match head to the break tied on 35 points. 

A third quarter 21-10 show by the Esperance Mukaneza-coached REG gave the home side an 11-point advantage heading to the final stanza which the bankers were unable to recover from as the eventual winner went 20-16 ahead for the win. 

In the classification matches, APR of Rwanda defeated Vijana Queens 78-57 while Gladiators won the other match 83-59 against Nile Legends of South Sudan. [Additional reporting by FIBA]