Tangit Sparks pip Storms in KBF tie

Masaku Sparks' Mitchelle Otinda is challenged by and Linda Kimemia (left) of Zetech University during KBF premier league at USIU grounds on Sunday August 19, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Tangit Sparks yesterday upset the form book by beating Storms 49-47 in a Kenya Basketball Federation Women's Premier League match at Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium. 

Having survived relegation last season, Tangit Sparks previously known as Masaku Sparks put up a spirited fight against last year's semi-finalists to chalk up their second win. Brenda Mwaniki starred for Sparks with 13 points while Cylia Atieno top scored for Storms with 12. 

Yearning to bag their second win this season following a successful outing in Kakamega last weekend, Sparks rallied from behind to force a two point win over Storms.

Last year's third-place finishers Storms looked strong as they took the first quarter 19-13. Not ready to go down without a fight, Sparks took charge of the second period scoring 10 points five more than Storms to reduce the gap between them to just one point at the breather.  

Their exploits in the second quarter ignited their desire for victory and they played better to take the third win in 17-11.

The final period was more dramatic as Storms fought to ensure they don't fall for the second time this season. They took their scores to 12 points but their effort was not good enough as Sparks carried the day despite scoring nine. 

Sparks' Mwaniki said they were looking forward to a better performance this season. "We want to improve on last year's performance. We are all determined to give our best in every match," Mwaniki said. 

In another women's encounter, Zetech University edged out Kenyatta University's Oryx 24-22 to register a second win this season. Zetech took the first quarter 9-7 before scoring five points to take a 14-9 lead at half time. 

On resumption, Oryx recovered in the third quarter with 11-6 for a level score of 20-20 going into the final period. The final quarter was dull with Zetech scoring four points to force a one basket win over Oryx who had scored two points in the final quarter. 

In women's Division One contest, Riara University beat Foot Prints 52-38. From the onset, Riara were no match for Foot Prints who were demoted from the top tier last season.

Riara dominated the match to take a remarkable 17-2 lead by the the end of the first quarter. Foot Prints regained their footing to take the second quarter 14-11 but Riara went into the breather with a comfortable 28-16 lead. 

The last two quarters were evenly contested with Riara taking the third in 13-12 and fourth in 11-10. University of Nairobi Terror beat Blazers 50-43 in a men's Division One clash.