Basketball: Thunder strikes Lions in league match at Upper Hill

BASKETBALL Thunder's Sadat Gaya (left) challenges Allan Ouma of Coop Bank during the KBF National Classic League play-offs at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium on Sunday, Dec 4, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Thunder strikes Lions at Upper Hill

Nairobi City Thunder struck Lions with a 61-40 victory at Upper Hill School to move closer to the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s Premier League play-offs at the weekend.

Thunder commanded a 31-28 lead at half time as their captain, Griffin Ligare, who had a game high of 23 points, made Lions pay for their numerous turnovers.

With Ligare’s antics, Thunder won the quarters 16-13, 15-15, 17-06, and 13-06. John Acholla had 14 points for the Lions.

In other premier league matches at the same venue, Co-op Bank defeated Umoja 51-31, World Hope edged out Terror 66-63 and Emyba beat Little Prince 48-47. Blazers whitewashed Nibs 70-27.

Meanwhile, Nairobi Basketball Association League action resumed as Legacy beat Uhuru Warriors 64-57 at the University of Nairobi grounds. Both sides had dazzling moves and skillful passes that left spectators clearly entertained.

Vincent Anyim led Legacy with 14 points, while Ken Ochieng and Daniel Odhiambo added 11 each. Hesbon Oloo bagged 28 points for Uhuru Warriors.

Eagles defeated Deaf Kings 60-20 in a one-sided encounter at the same venue. Collins Mbeche, Kelvin Muyyaene and Alvin Tulula all registered 14 points for the Eagles.

In another match, Saints beat Morans Academy 65-57. Felix Mwaluko had 21 points for Saints as Meshack Musyoka added 12, including three late three-pointers. Morans had 16 from Sebastian Alfred and 11 from Edwin Ochieng.