Basketball: Okumu shines as Lakeside arrest University of Nairobi Terrorists

Kennedy Okumu of Lakeside. [Washington Onyango,Kisumu]

Kennedy Okumu dropped 11 points and eight rebounds to inspire Kisumu Lakeside to their sixth win of the 2021 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League after thrashing the University of Nairobi Terror 71-56 in a tight match played at Manyatta Arabs in Kisumu on Sunday.

Center Okumu was joined by three-point specialist Derrick Wekesa who also finished with 11 points as Erick Gundo added 10 points in the win.

Despite Terror’s Pharez Adala posting a game-high 16 points, it was the hosts who had the last laugh. Adala was followed closely by Ian Onyango with 14 points as Nelson Mandela added nine points in the defeat.

The Kisumu based club headed into the match in the wake of their 58-53 victory over KCA University on Saturday and a win over Terror improves their chances of finishing in the playoffs position by the end of the regular season.

Lakeside had a brighter start in the first quarter where their dominance saw them build an eight point lead after outscoring the visitors 22-14.

A 15-13 score in the second quarter saw the hosts stretch their lead to 10 points at the breather where they led 37-27.

In the second half, Terror got off to a good start with quick early baskets but the hosts regrouped to take the quarter 16-12. Despite a neck to neck fight in the final quarter, Lakeside had the upper hand in a close 18-17 score to eventually win the match 71-56.

University of Nairobi Terror head coach Eugene Kalman (center) advises his players during KBF Premier League match against Lakeside in Kisumu. [Washington Onyango,Kisumu]

Speaking after the defeat, Terror head coach Eugene Kalman said he was disappointed with the way they played but partly blamed fatigue in the defeat.

“We played poorly today. Whatever we had planned to execute today did not go according to plan but it is not the end of the road. A few calls went against us but we are going to come back stronger. Playing on the road is not always easy,” said Kalman.

Lakeside were missing the services of their captain Basil Ogembo, center Marko and influential shooting guard Trevor Gari.