Ulinzi silence Thunder to recapture KBF league title

Ulinzi Warriors are this year’s Kenya Basketball Federation men’s Premier League champions.

The soldiers were crowned yesterday after beating Thunder 67-63 to win Game Four of the best of five series play-offs and reclaim their title.

Having lost Game One 73-75 to Thunder who were playing in their first-ever final, Warriors chalked straight wins to win the title and book their ticket to next year’s Basketball Africa League.

Ulinzi would bounce back from Game One disappointment to win 123-106 and 99-51 in Game Two and Three before sealing the trophy with yesterday’s win.

An elated Ulinzi coach William Balozi was full of praise for his charges for their resilience. “I don’t even know what to say because they fought hard and have done extremely well this season.

"Their resilience paid off in the final quarter because in a high stake match it is not easy to recover when you are trailing,” Balozi said.

Thunder coach Sadat Gaya said the soldiers were the better side having come from 19 points down to win the fourth game and bag the trophy. “They did a better job than us and I congratulate them for winning the title.

“We will take a break and after the festivities, we will plan for the 2020 season and I hope to have Kevin Chogo back in the team,” Gaya said.

Gaya rued the absence of Chogo who was injured on Friday during Game Three.