Basketball: Achieng inspires KPA to victory as Equity kick off KBF playoff semis with win

KPA Captain Vilma Achieng. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Vilma Achieng dropped a game high 17 points as Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women thrashed Storms 79-33 in a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Women’s Premier League semifinal playoffs played at the Nyayo Gymnasium on Saturday.

The Dockers, who are already living up to the hype of going all the way this season if their previous exploits are anything to by, blew away Storms 15-4 and 21-7 in the opening two quarters to take a commanding 36-11 halftime lead.

A 16-11 score line in the third quarter all but put the game out of reach for Storms who trailed 52-22 before the Mombasa based ladies sealed the victory with a 27-11 performance in the last quarter to win 79-33.

KPA captain Vilma Achieng dropped a double-double and game high 17 points and 12 rebounds to command her team to taking game one in semifinals set to be played in the best of five series. Barbara Githinji followed closely with 10 points and eight rebounds.

Speaking after the game, Achieng said they are not yet done and are looking forward to take game two today. She said they are out to reclaim their lost glory.

“We played well and am happy to lead the team not only on the pitch but also by scoring lots of points.”

“No easy game in playoffs. However, the best prepared team normally finds it easy,” said the Kenya Lioness forward.

After finishing as top-seed in the regular season, Anthony Ojukwu’s charges extended their impervious form into the post-season.

They swept Strathmore Swords 2-0 to set up a mouthwatering clash against Storms whom they are already schooling.

At the same time, defending champions Equity Banks started their semifinals on the front foot after edging out Zetech Sparks 50-45 at the same court.