Co-op Bank teams shine in basketball play-offs

Equity Bank's Fred Lugasi chase Joseph Khaemba of Coop Bank during KBF Premier league at Nyayo National Gymnasium, Nairobi, on sunday, Sept 4, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

It was a weekend Co-op Bank basketball teams had wished for as they seek to qualify for the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) finals.

The men's team defeated Thunder 79-52 in Game One of the semifinal play-offs at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday night.

KBF's Most Valuable Player James Mwangi steered the bankers to victory from the opening quarter. He sunk the opening basket and added eight more points as the bankers won the quarter 18-12.

Thunder captain Griffins Ligare was surely not at his usual best, but said he will make it up in their next matches.

Abel Nson tried to salvage some pride for Thunder, but his efforts were not enough. He needed teamwork. Kevin Chogo, who was having a difficult time converting his shots, could not help matters either.

Meanwhile, the bank's women team, who lost Game One 46-43 to Strathmore University last weekend, got their groove back to win Game Two 41-39 and level the best-of-three quarters series, 1-1. Celia Alia scored 12 for the bankers, same as Mollete Achieng for the students.

At the same time, while Co-operative Bank were enjoying a seamless flow of form, things were pretty tough for Ulinzi Warriors, who were visiting Mombasa for their Game One match against Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

The dockers defeated the soldiers, who are also the defending champions, 77-72 at the Makande Gymnasium.

A resurgent KPA started the match on a slow pace as they lost 16-20 in the opening quarter. But after some pep talk from head coach Sammy Kiki, the dockers found their rhythm and won the remaining quarters 22-17, 20-13 and 19-12.

Evans Letting, who sunk 18 points, led KPA to victory. Eric Mutoro starred for the soldiers with a game high 21 points.

Zetech University defeated Kenyatta University 68-44 in men's Division One Game One playoffs. Chris Oluk had 15 points for Zetech, while Renny Moibi had 11 for KU.