Grudge match on the cards as KPA, Strathmore face off in semis

It will be a repeat of last year’s final when defending champions KPA face off with Strathmore’s Blades in the men basketball league semi final.

KPA earned themselves a place in the semis after crushing USIU Tigers 62-53 in game two of the playoffs at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa at the weekend. In game one KPA defeated the students 69-55.

“Our target is to retain the trophy and so far so good. It’s always a good feeling when you advance to the last four. As much as it will be a tight match, I believe we are up to the task,” KPA captain Samuel Ocholla told Citizen Digital.

For his part KPA head coach Sammy Kiki expressed delight after qualifying for the semis.

“I am really happy with the effort of the team despite the fact that we didn’t play well. The most important thing was to qualify and it shows the commitment of wanting to retain the league,” Kiki said.

Blades qualified after winning their game two 85-48 against KCA University.

Blades started badly losing the first quarter 07-13 before reviving themselves in the second quarter winning 13-07. In the third quarter, things seemed to be going worse for the ‘students’ when they lost narrowly 13-15 but they came out more stronger and determined in the fourth quarter winning 24-14.

Lawrence Bwire’s 16 points could not help KCA win the match as he emerged the top scorer. In the previous encounter, Blades won 52-34.

Meanwhile, Ulinzi Warriors also qualified for the semi finals after smashing Umoja 85-48 in game two of the quarter’s playoffs.

The soldiers dominated all the four quarters with William Ochieng showing his own class scoring 20 points.

In the first quarter, Ulinzi took a commanding lead of 26-11 points before another strong win in the second quarter of 20-10. Things became easier for Ulinzi winning 17-14 and 22-13 in the third and fourth quarter respectively.

In the first game, played the previous weekend, Thunder had thrashed Equity 70-59 but it was a totally different ball game at the weekend when Equity outclassed them 71-61 win.

Weekend results.

KPA 62-53 USIU

Ulinzi 85-48 Umoja

KCA 54-47 Blades

Equity Bank 71-61 Thunder