Warriors tame Lions to go top of log

Ulinzi Warriors' Erick Mutoro (right) dribbles past Strathmore University's Carl Arum during their Kenya Basketball Federation men's Premier League match played on April 10, 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. Ulinzi beat Lions 62-60 over the weekend. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The soldiers laboured to beat Ikiapian Juma’s Lions 62-60 in an explosive first leg showdown over the weekend.
  • The victory saw Ulinzi top the standings with 13 points.
  • Equity hit newcomers Trailblazers 58-49, followed by a 66-55 victory over Strathmore University on Sunday. The bankers have registered five wins and two loses.
  • Eagle Wings dropped to fourth spot with six points after failing to honour their fixture against Strathmore University Swords.

Men’s basketball Premier League champions Ulinzi Warriors moved to the top of the standings after bagging two points against Lions at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium.

The soldiers laboured to beat Ikiapian Juma’s Lions 62-60 in an explosive first leg showdown over the weekend. Ulinzi, who had trailed 17-15 in the first quarter, got their act together to lead 33-25 at half-time. Lions never gave up the fight as Dennis Opiyo led them to a convincing 22-11 lead in a critical third quarter.

The victory saw Ulinzi top the standings with 13 points. The Eastleigh-based team is joint top with rivals Thunder, who also have 13 points. Thunder have so far played eight matches, one more than Ulinzi.

Thunder have won five games and lost three while Ulinzi have won six and lost one. Equity Bank had a good weekend, which saw them garner maximum four points in a row to dislodge Co-op Bank from second spot with 12 points.

Equity hit newcomers Trailblazers 58-49, followed by a 66-55 victory over Strathmore University on Sunday. The bankers have registered five wins and two loses.

Although Co-op Bank grabbed a dramatic 84-80 win over Blades on Sunday, the team slipped to fourth position. Co-op used their vast experience to erase a huge 15-point margin in the last quarter to lock the scores at 80-80 in last 32 seconds. Lions and Trailblazers are tied on eight points each.

KPA TOP STANDINGS

In the women’s league, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who rested last weekend stayed at the top of the standings with eight points. KPA are unbeaten in their four outings. Equity are second with eight points after losing narrowly 69-68 to Co-op Bank in overtime. Coop Bank moved to the second spot with seven points after garnering two points.

Eagle Wings dropped to fourth spot with six points after failing to honour their fixture against Strathmore University Swords.

The university students were awarded two points on a 20-0 walk over, a result which propelled them to fifth position. Swords have won all their three league matches.

Zetech University demolished Umoja 52-44 to keep a live their hopes of qualifying for the lower tier play-offs. Thanks to Joshua Kisali and Franklin Omondi who each sunk 10 points for Zetech to lea 26-15 at the break.

KDF Morans collected two points after beating Don Bosco 45-38 while Baraka Xtreme also returned to Thika with two points following their 53-47 win over hosts Riara University.

WEEKEND RESULTS: Men: Coop Bank 84 Blades 80, Umoja 44 Zetech University 52, Equity Bank 66 Strathmore 55, KDF Morans 45 Don Bosco 38, Baraka Xtreme 53 Riara University 47, Ulinzi Warriors 62 Lions 60, Equity Bank 58 Trailblazers 49.Women: Coop Bank 69 Equity Bank 68, Strathmore University 20 Eagle Wings 0.

Women: Coop Bank 69 Equity Bank 68, Strathmore University 20 Eagle Wings 0.