Co-op Bank in need of one win in basketball playoffs
Basketball
By
ERICK OCHIENG'
| Dec 06, 2016
Co-op Bank teams maintained their dominance in men and women categories in the ongoing Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) playoffs.
The bankers, who on Saturday evening defeated Nairobi City Thunder 79-52 in men’s Premier League Game One semis, triumphed in Game Two 82-53 on Sunday evening to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
The bankers were led by former KBF Most Valuable Player James Mwangi, who contributed 14 points in the victory, as his teammates Kevin Chogo and Wycliffe Ochieng added 19 and 13 points. Joseph Khaemba sunk 16 for Thunder.
Co-op Bank won all quarters; 24-16, 16-16, 17-19 and 25-06. The bankers, who now have one leg in the final, just require one win this weekend to make it through.
But Thunder coach Sadat Gaya is still convinced his side has a lot to offer in the playoffs and is hopeful to spoil the party for the bankers, who have been dominant in the first two games.
“All is not lost; we are going to work on our shortcomings this week. We will fight to the end,” Gaya said.
Even though they are in a good form, Co-op Bank coach Carey Odhiambo warned his charges against being complacent.
“We are not going to underrate them, even in the third match this weekend. Never underestimate your opponents before you qualify for the final,” said Odhiambo.
Meanwhile, Co-op Bank's women team qualified for the semifinals after they defeated Strathmore University 49-30 in Game Three.
The bankers began the game on a wrong footing, losing the first quarter 9-10. But they came back stronger and won 15-08, 14-08 and 11-04 in the remaining quarters.
Co-op Bank have now booked a date with Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in the best-of-five series. United States International University (USIU) and Equity Bank will play in the other semi.
Meanwhile, Ulinzi Warriors defeated KPA 67-66 in Game Two of men's premier league battle.