Title-chasing Blades aim sharp end at Trailblazers
Storms' Mercy Wanyama takes a free throw against Zetech University during their women’s Premier League match on July 28, 2018 at United States International University. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Wanyama, Luchivya lead Storms against Strathmore.
- In form Strathmore varsity side look to start second leg with a bang against lowly opponents.
Title-chasing Blades will look to begin the second leg of the Kenya Basketball Federation men's Premier League with a bang when they face lowly rated Trailblazers from 4.30pm on Saturday and fellow students Kenya College of Accountancy-University on Sunday at United States International University of Africa in Nairobi.
After losing 3-1 to Kenya Ports Authority in their first play-offs final last year, coach Tonny Ochieng’s Blades have never looked back in their bid to clinch their first league title.
The Strathmore University’s sponsored side have 17 points from seven wins and three losses and will start as favourites.
Trailblazers, who will field speedy Alex Onguso, Chris Odhiambo and evergreen Ishmael Nyamache, have only won two matches and lost eight which leave them with a tall order to finish in the top four positions.
KCA-U were beaten 63-57 by Thunder last weekend and the varsity students will have to be at their very best to defeat hard nut to crack Blades to enhance their play-offs chances.
After defeating KCA-U 63-57, last weekend, Thunder’s winning streak will be under threat when they meet much-improved newly promoted Umoja at 3pm.
The Martin Okwako-coached Umoja, have put up a spirited fight in the top competition to shock giants after winning last year’s men’s Division One league championship. Umoja's game will be spearheaded by guard Allan Ouma, Nicolas Ogol and Wycliffe Olanya. They have won five matches and lost four.
Thunders garnered maximum two points last weekend and talented guards Griffins Ligare, Abel Nson and forward Kevin Chogo will be out to defeat Umoja to keep alive their chances of ending the first leg in a respected position. Currently Thunder are placed second on the standings with 15 points from five matches won five lost.
In the women’s Premier League, no nonsense forward Mercy Wanyama, who scored 18 points last weekend, will team up with ever green Angela Luchivya as Storms tackle coach Ronnie Owino’s Strathmore University. Storms rocked Zetech University 40-31 in their low scoring last assignment.
On Saturday, red-hot Emyba will be seeking to maintain their men’s Division One League leadership when they confront Strathmore University, MKU Thika host Kakamega-based Nebulas, Terrorists meet KDF Morans while Woodley Knights have a date with Neosasa. Neosasa beat 4 Christ 72-52 last weekend and are favourites to collect all two points.
On Sunday, Ulinzi Warriors will take on Equity Bank in an enticing looking match up.
Victory against the bankers will boost the soldiers dream of recapturing the Premier League crown they lost in 2015.
In other matches at the same venue, 4 Christ, who lost 52-72 to Neosasa will meet Kenya Airports Authority, Blazers will tackle Nebulas, Zetech University Titans will lock horns with seasoned Lions while Riara University will square it out with MKU-Thika.
