Strathmore rule as KPA sides thrash Western Delight, Nairobi Aviation in KBF league ties

Letisha Omondi, left, of Gladiators drible ball past Parklands Arya's Venessa Anyango during Nairobi Basketball Association league at Nairobi Raiways Club on Saturday, November 15th, 2014. Photo/Jonah Onyango

Strathmore University won their crunch tie 81-67 against Nairobi University Terrorist in a Kenya Basketball Federation(KBF) men’s Classic League played at Kasarani at the weekend.

Carrying Strathmore to greater heights were Shilton Ochieng’ and Joseph Ongoro who contributed 28 and 20 points to give the winners victory.

Captain Hillary Kubai proved a role model by managing 16 points for the losers as Frankline Manyala added 14.

Yvonne Akinyi scored 22 points as Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) walloped Western Delight 97-24 at the venue. Coach Antony Ojukwu, who was elated with the victory, said he was confident his side would post more victories in subsequent league matches.

Earlier, KPA men had thrashed Nairobi Aviation 72-61 and Kenya Airports Authority 58-51. Ulinzi also rout Blazers 119-57 to maintain lead in the men’s Premier League standing.

Ulinzi Warriors also won 53-60 against defending champions Co-op Bank Spartans with the help of Erick Mutoro who realised 16 points in the first quarter.

Co-op Bank did a good job in the defence, holding Ulinzi in the first four minutes. William Ochieng’ made one free throw to put Co-op Bank in the lead 32-31 for the first time with 5:05 minutes to play. Then both teams tied twice and exchanged the lead three times before Ulinzi went in the fourth leading 40-42.

Ancette Wafula, who is also a national team player, added 12 for Ulinzi who are seeking to  dominate the playoffs that starts off this weekend.

Emyba were able to overcome Mount Kenya University Thika 62-51 in the Nairobi Basketball Association playoff at Railway Club.

PENULTIMATE MATCH

Meanwhile, Nakuru Club edged Nairobi Mennonites 58-55 in their penultimate match of the KBF Premier League at Menengai High School over the weekend.

The winners lost the first quarter 12-16 but recovered to win the second one 12-11 after calling for a number of time outs, which worked in their favour despite trailing 24-27 at the break.

In the third quarter, Nakuru Club returned a rejuvenated side and won the third and fourth quarters 14-10 and 20-18 respectively to pick maximum points against Mennonites.

James Okerio and George Kiarie emerged top scorers after tying on 28 points with each scoring 14 points.

On their part, Mennonites’ Felix Odhiamboi led his team with unassailable 17 points.

Nakuru Club coach Richard Kanda said the win has boosted their chances of surviving in the top-flight basketball league with a match at hand before concluding their fixtures.

“We had to win this match and I’m happy it worked our way, we are assured of staying in the league,” he told FeverPitch.