Basketball tournament: Riat clinch Mashujaa Day Open title

Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) are the champions of this year’s Kisumu Mashujaa Day Open basketball tournament.

Riat edged their perennial rivals Maseno University  72-68 in a thrilling encounter staged at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports ground, Kisumu.

Maseno University, who were the 2012 winners and last years’ first runners up, came in as the tournaments as favourites but lost despite leading their opponents up to the third quarter. At the end of the first quarter, Maseno led 20-6 against Riat.

Although both teams played a balanced game, Maseno owned the game engaging their opponents in a fierce battle for baskets.

Maseno showcased clinical moves and dunks that ensured they were in total control of the game from the first to the third quarter.

Dunks from Maseno’s prolific power forward Basil Ogembo kept the game lively as the spectators cheered their teams on.

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Riat however came back in the fourth quarter more offensive and capitalised on the many fouls that their rivals made to carry the day.

The win was a shock to many fans as the university side had earlier beaten Riat 55-44 in the preliminaries.

Riat captain George Otieno said the win was a morale booster for the team as they prepare for other up coming tournaments in the region.

Maseno captian Ignatius Okore expressed disappointment regarding the loss. He, however, attributed the defeat to the numerous fouls that their key players had committed.

“I cannot imagine we lost this game despite leading in three quarters and part of the last quarter,” Okore told FeverPitch after the game.

Kisumu Urban trounced Kisumu Boys 54 -32  to clinch the third place.

Other teams that graced the tournament were Kisumu Urban, Asumbi TTC, Kisumu Boys, Ambira, Kenya-Re and Lakeside club.

The Mashujaa tournament is an annual competition that aims at improving basketball standards in Kisumu region and its environs.