Former champions KPA run down Eldoret clubs

KPA's Grace Irebu (left) dribbles the ball past Fridah Kandie (centre) and Mercy Mumo of Stanbic Aces during their KBF Women's League at Nyayo Gymnasium on January 25.[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Former Kenya Basketball Federation Men's Premier League champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on Saturday beat Eldonets Platinum 65-60 in a tightly contested encounter played at Uasin Gishu High School, Eldoret.

The dockers, who are on mission to reclaim the title they lost to Nairobi City Thunder last season, earned two crucial points to consolidate their place among the top three. A brilliant show in the first, second and fourth quarters subjected Platinum who started the season on a high to their second straight loss.

Salim Kisilu top scored for KPA with 13 points while Washington Ayiecho added 11. Meshack Oloo sunk a match high 17 points but was forced to watch helplessly as his effort go up in flames.

Platinum had a dull start to the match scoring 12 points against KPA's 16 in the first quarter as they struggled to settle in the game allowing their guests to take a 32-23 half-time lead.

With victory still within their reach, Platinum returned rejuvenated to control the game and take the third quarter 18-10. Their spirited fight would see them narrow KPA's lead to a half basket with score at 41-42 going into the final period.

Determined to return to Mombasa heads high, the dockers fought tooth and nail against unrelenting Platinum to snatch the fourth 23-19 and register their fifth win of the season.

At Nyayo Gymnasium, holders Thunder showed no mercy to Strathmore University Swords in their Friday night match.

In the women's contest, KPA stretched their winning streak to six matches after walloping Eldonets ladies 84-49. KPA, who remain unbeaten alongside defending champions Equity Bank Hawks, Zetech University Sparks and Strathmore University Swords, consolidated their spot on the top of the league standings.

Alima Doumbia who has been very instrumental in KPA's campaign anchored the dockers to victory with 22 points. In another women's encounter Stanbic Aces recovered from last weekend's loss to KPA to beat Th3 Swish 55-51.