KPA, Equity in tough duel: Blades will tackle Thunder today before meeting USIU-A Tigers tomorrow

Kenya basketball premier league finals Belinda Okoth (front) of Equity Bank women basketball wins the ball against Felmas Odhiambo (right) of KPA women basketball team during the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League play-offs finals at the KPA Makande GYM, February 24, 2018. KPA won the league title. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Battle for league play-off places intensify with 27 matches on the card in Nairobi, Kisumu and Eldoret.

Kenya Basketball Federation men’s Premier League champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) are in Nairobi hoping to extend their winning streak today.

The dockers, who are currently third on the log with 28 points, will strive to improve their chances into the playoffs slot with double victory at United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) outdoor courts as they take on Equity Bank in their first weekend encounter before facing off with Thunder tomorrow.

They are unbeaten in the league this season. Playing at their Mombasa home last weekend, KPA beat visitors World Hope 66-57 to increase their chances of defending the title.

In another mouth-watering clash, last year’s second-placed finishers Strathmore University Blades will tackle Thunder today before taking on hosts USIU-A Tigers tomorrow. Blades, who came close to winning their maiden KBF league title last season but fell 1-3 to KPA in the final, are out to earn maximum points and improve their chances of qualifying in the playoffs.

Blades are currently fifth in the standings and must keep winning trend in a bid seal the last eight slot. Favourites Ulinzi Warriors, who are second on log tied on 29 points with leaders Kenya College of Accountancy University, will be away in Kisumu to play debutants Lakeside at Kenyatta Sports Grounds at 10am.

In the women’s Premier League title chase, holders KPA will be out to complete a double against Equity Bank Hawks having beaten them in their first leg tie. KPA dethroned Hawks last season after beating them 3-0 to win the title. KPA will be looking to build on their emphatic 80-35 win against Masaku Sparks in Mombasa last weekend. They will then complete their weekend assignment with a clash against Zetech University students tomorrow while Equity Hawks will meet KU Oryx in their second weekend tie.

Storms led by forward Mercy Wanyama will intensify their hunt for a playoffs spot against hosts USIU-A Flames. The students will be wary of fearless Storms who ended KPA’s unbeaten run a fortnight ago at the same grounds.