KPA one match away from basketball playoffs final

Felmas Adhiambo (left) of KPA dribbles the ball against Waliuba Atieno (right) of Co-op Bank during a KBF national basketball league match at the KPA Makande GYM, October 31, 2016. KPA won 61-51. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Kenya Ports Authority inched closer to Kenya Basketball Federation women's Premier League final after they defeated Co-operative Bank Kingdom Queens 55-47 in Game Two over the weekend.

With two wins in the best-of-five series, KPA only need one more win and they will be home and dry.

KPA won 55-49 in Game One, then followed it with a 55-47 Game Two win at Nyayo Stadium. Game Three will be in Mombasa early next year.

KPA took a 38-33 first half lead, before the hosts narrowed the gap to 55-49 at the final whistle of Game One.

Natalie Akinyi steered KPA to victory as she contributed 13 points in the encounter. Her teammate Yvonne Akinyi had 10 points. Co-operative Bank's Belinda Akoth had 21 points, while her teammate Irene Makori added 11.

In Game Two, KPA relied on the services of Felmas Adhiambo, who contributed 15 points. Akinyi had 10, while Celine Okumu added nine points for the dockers. Akoth sunk nine points, while her teammate Irene Makori contributed 11 for the bankers.

KPA began Game Two with a 16-12 victory in the first quarter, followed it with a 18-6 win in the second, to lead 34-18 at halftime.

Despite Co-op Bank winning the third and fourth quarters 14-8 and 15-13, it was little too late for them to salvage the game.

"We are happy we won the first two series in Nairobi. This gives us the advantage as we head for Game Three in Mombasa," said KPA assistant coach, Philip Onyango.

At the same time, Nebulas Kakamega defeated KDF Morans 75-67 at Eregi Teachers College for a 2-1 lead in men's Division Two series.

Meanwhile, KBF women's semifinal between United States International University (USIU) and Equity Bank, has been postponed to next year.

This is because USIU, who took part in the 22nd edition of Fiba Africa Clubs Basketball Championship in Maputo, Mozambique, are taking part in the East Africa University Games at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Juja.

"We got the request from USIU for our fixture against them to be postponed. We also have to abide by the Fiba rule that allows any team from international event a 14-day rest before they resume their local league, unless they so request to play," said Equity Bank's representative, Radhi Ndalo.

USIU have so far given a good account of themselves at the ongoing East Africa University games, where they registered convincing victories. They won 49-27 against Mzumbe University of Tanzania in their first match and defeated Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) 60-32 in their second encounter.

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