Ulinzi Warriors sweep Blades to reach KBF finals

 

James Mwangi (center) of Ulinzi Warrior in action during the Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers in Tanzania. [Courtesy-BAL]

Defending champions Ulinzi Warriors are through to the 2021-2022 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Men’s Premier League playoff finals.

Ulinzi completed a 3-0 sweep over Strathmore University Blades and are now on course to defend the title they won last season.

On Sunday evening, the service men came from behind to edge Blades 94-86 in overtime of game three semifinals playoffs played at Nyayo Gymnasium.

Warriors were trailing by three points, scores at 79-76 in favor of the university side when Vincent Juma sunk a three-pointer with one second of play left on the clock to force overtime.

The soldiers finished off the students in overtime to win 94-86 and sail through to the finals.

Ulinzi Warriors also kicked off their semis with a win after with a commanding 78-54.

Warriors took the first quarter 24-14 before leading 32 - 26 at the break. A strong second half and performance in the third and final quarter sealed their 78-54 win.

Warriors hammered Blades 79-69 to also take a 2-0 series lead after game two.

The reigning champions will now await the winner between Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Equity Dumas who face off today in a tie breaker game five at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa.

KPA on Sunday tied the semifinals playoffs series at 2-2 after defeating Equity Dumas 75-56 in game four played at KPA Makande Gymnasium.

The dockers ducked elimination by defeating Equity Bank Dumas 81-66 in a closely contested Game three on Saturday.

KPA’s chances of advancing to this year’s finals hung in the balance after their poor start to the series

The Coast-based club headed into game three of the semifinals trailing 2-0 after the bankers had knocked them out in game one and two 78-66 and 64-54 respectively.