Thunder close in on top four finish

Thunder's point guard Griffin Ligare dribbles the ball during their men's Kenya Basketball Federation Premier league match against Equity Bank at USIU outdoor courts on August 25, 2018. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO |

What you need to know:

  • Thunder, who defeated World Hope 72-52 in their last outing, will host Kisumu Lakeside at 3pm on Saturday before they take on USIU-A Tigers at the same venue on Sunday 4.30pm

  • These two matches are crucial for Thunder who face stiff competition from Strathmore Blades for third place with champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Ulinzi Warriors having secured first and second place respectively

  • USIU-A Tigers must beat Equity Bank and Thunder to enhance their chances of making the top eight after an underwhelming campaign that has seen them lose seven matches

Thunder will be seeking a top four finish in the men’s Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League regular season as they play two crucial return leg matches at Nairobi’s United States International University of Africa outdoor courts this weekend.

Thunder, who defeated World Hope 72-52 in their last outing, will host Kisumu Lakeside at 3pm on Saturday before they take on USIU-A Tigers at the same venue on Sunday 4.30pm.

These two matches are crucial for Thunder who face stiff competition from Strathmore Blades for third place with champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Ulinzi Warriors having secured first and second place respectively.

Newcomers Lakeside, who have slim chances of qualifying for the playoff, will rely on Willis Ochieng and Kiyaka Isayah to upset Thunder. USIU-A Tigers must beat Equity Bank and Thunder to enhance their chances of making the top eight after an underwhelming campaign that has seen them lose seven matches.

KCA University, led by Brian Ondari, will look to compound World Hope’s woes and inch closer to the playoff spot.

In the women’s Premier League, Eagle Wings have a tough outing against Strathmore University Swords. George Mayienga’s USIU-A Flames face relegation threatened Masaku Sparks in a must win encounter to book a playoff slot.

In the men’s Division One league leg, KDF Morans will square it out with Barclays Bank, Riara University host Mombasa-based Baobab, Strathmore University entertain Egerton University while Little Prince play self-supporting Nebulas from Kakamega.

On Sunday, Baobab, will wind up their tour of Nairobi against Little Prince, Upper Hill School will lock horns with JKUAT, Woodley Knights host Coastal Kings while Pirates battle it out with hard-fighting Barclays Bank.

FIXTURES

SATURDAY

USIU-A: Dynamites v ANU (9am), Riara IUniversity v Baobab (9am), Blazers v Nebulas(10.30am), Strathmore University v Egerton University (10.30am), KDF Morans v Barclays Bank (12pm), USIU-A v Zetech University (12pm), JKUAT v Coastal Kings (1.30pm), Little Prince v Nebulas (1.30pm), Thunder v Lakeside (3pm), Strathmore University v Eagle Wings (3pm), USIU-A Tigers v Equity Bank (4.30pm), World Hope v KCA-U (4.30pm).

Eldoret: Eldonets v Lions (10am).

SUNDAY

USIU-A: Riara University v Coastal Kings (9am), Upper Hill School v Woodley Knights (9am), Neosasa v Nebulas (10.30am), Masaku Sparks v USIU-A Flames (12pm), ANU v Gladiators (12pm), Woodley Knights v Coastal Kings (1.30pm), Little Prince v Baobab (1.30pm), ANU v Zetech Titans (3pm), Upper Hill School v JKUAT (3pm), Thunder v USIU-A Tigers (4.30pm), Pirates v Barclays Bank (4.30pm).

Eldoret: Eldonets v Emyba (10am).