Strathmore edge Co-op in play-offs

Strathmore University got off to a good start in this year’s women’s Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League play-offs when they rallied from behind to defeat Co-op Bank 46-43 in a thrilling quarter final Game One at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium on Saturday.

The university students, who qualified for the play-offs after finishing fourth in the 10-team regular season with 29 points, were down 23-16 at half time.

Coached by Ronnie Owino, Strathmore University tied the scores twice 39-39 and 42-42 in a hard-fought third quarter. It was Mollete Achieng and Samba Barbra, who sunk two critical baskets with 22 seconds left to boost the students’ hopes.

After Co-op Bank had enjoyed a 43-42 lead, captain Celia Asila missed two free-throws which could have earned them a narrow victory.

Co-op Bank, who finished the regular season in fifth place with 28 points, were down 11-9 in the first quarter only to change their strategy before the half time break.

“It was a tough game but we managed to win narrowly which has motivated us before the next weekend’s Game Two,” said coach Owino.
Strathmore’s Rachel Opinya scored game high 19 points.

Co-op Bank coach Carol Ouma said” We had no luck to win and we intend to intensify our training to win the next game and leave Game Three to determine who qualifies for the semi-final’’