KPA women storm play-off semis
KPA’s Natalie Akinyi (left) fights for the ball against Janet Okoth of Eagle Wings during Game One of the women’s basketball league play-off quarter-finals at Nyayo Stadium on November 15, 2015. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Akinyi, Oketch set the home team on path to victory at Makande Hall in Mombasa
- The win means KPA, who had beaten Eagle 56-27 in Game One in Nairobi, qualified on 2-0 in the quarter-finals played on best-of-three series.
Kenya Ports Authority women’s basketball team made sure of a place in the semi-finals of the national classic league play-offs when they hammered Eagle Wings 64 -43 in Game Two of the quarter-finals at KPA Hall in Makande on Saturday.
The win means KPA, who had beaten Eagle 56-27 in Game One in Nairobi, qualified on 2-0 in the quarter-finals played on best-of-three series.
Co-operative Bank also qualified for the semi-finals after eliminating Strathmore University 2-0 in the quarter-finals at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium.
Co-op Bank sent coach Ronnie Owino’s youthful Strathmore University packing with a 41-38 victory in a tough Game Two. Co-op Bank had won the opening Game One 48-38 last weekend and Strathmore needed to win Game Two to force the decisive Game Three. Victory saw Co-op Bank wrap up series 2-0 to qualify for the best-of-five semi-finals.
WINGS IMPROVED
Against KPA, it was an improved performance for Eagle Wings who are arguably the most successful women’s basketball team in Kenya. Eagle Wings finished third at the African Club Championships in Morocco two years ago.
KPA led 11-03 in the first quarter, with Yvonne Akinyi, Hellen Oketch and Linda Alando contributing vital points while Lucy Machuma and ageless Eunice Ouma scored three points for the visitors.
KPA coach Sammy Kiki who was however not happy with his players display stepped up the tempo out scoring Eagle Wings 20 -11 for a comfortable 31-14 halftime lead. Eagle Wings improved in the second half, retricting KPA to 17 -12 in the third quarter and 17 -17 score in the fourth.
RESULTS
Women: Co-op Bank 41 Strathmore 37. Men: Barclays Bank 83 4-Christ 63, Upper Hill School 66 ANU 50, KCA-U 57 JKUAT 40.
Sunday's fixtures: JKUAT v KCA-U (9am),Masaku Sparks v USIU-A Flames (10.30am), Ulinzi Blades v Equity (12pm), Tigers v Co-op (1.30pm), Thunder v Blades (3pm), Equity v Ulinzi Warriors (4.30pm).
