Lakeside humble Umoja in Kisumu to bag first win of the season

Lakeside's Brandon Lee in action against Strathmore Blades during the KBF Men League match at the Nyayo National Gym on September 3, 2022. (Kelly Ayodi, Standard)

Shooting guard Brandon Ochieng posted a game-high 14 points and seven assists to inspire Lakeside to their first win of the 2022 season after humbling Umoja 57-41 in a Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League match played at Magadi Primary School in Manyatta, Kisumu on Saturday.

Lakeside headed into the match behind a disappointing eight defeats in a row and needed the win to get off their season on the right track while Umoja who had picked two victories and six defeats sought a third win.

The Kisumu-based outfit dominated the home environment from start to finish with forward David Simeon kicking off the game with three consecutive layups to give the hosts a perfect start.

Despite Umoja captain Tony Okol responding with two jump shots that cut the gap to two points, Dennis Wekesa gave Lakeside an early lead, making his first four shots, including three 3-pointers.

Sila Awuor and Brandon Ochieng joined in on the party as Lakeside led 21-9 in the opening quarter.

With Lakeside hot from the three-point arc, Ochieng would drop two more three-pointers for a low-scoring second quarter that ended 6-6 but the hosts would enjoy a 12-point lead as the scores read 27-15.

In the second half, Simeon and Ochieng dropped five and four points respectively before Wekesa added a jump shot for an 11-4 third-quarter win that pushed Lakeside's advantage to 38-19.

Fresh from representing Nyanza Region at the Kenya National Secondary School games in Nakuru, Onjiko Boy High School forward Byron Onyango was introduced to close out the match which he did with eight points off the bench as Lakeside won 57-41.

"Today was our day because we had made up our minds that we are going for the win. The boys showed up and gave their all after being pushed to the wall with the eight defeats. Despite our financial and management challenges, this win is for all the players who believe," said Lakeside captain Sila Awuor.

Umoja Team Manager Steve Kuta on the other hand rued a poor start to the match and long travel to the defeat.

"We started the game poorly and allowed them to get easy baskets but we are not giving up, especially with a game against Eldonets waiting on Sunday. This was an eye-opener to us to be ready every time. The season is still far from over and we will compete," said Kuta after the match.