KBF champions Equity close in on playoff final

Champions Equity Bank have one foot in the final of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League after defeating UON Dynamites 76-38 in Game Two of the semi-final playoffs series at Nyayo Gymnasium on Saturday.

Dynamites looked strong and ready to revenge when they drew 13-13 in the first period before the Hawks started showing them the way in the second, third and fourth quarters respectively.

The Bankers won the second period 18-6 going to half time with a 31-19 lead. They continued with the same momentum in the third period winning 18-9 before winding it up with a massive win of 27-10 in the fourth period.

Belinda Okoth continued with her good form which she showcased in Game One on Saturday scoring 18 points for the bankers followed by Linda Alando who had 12 while Faith Atieno scored 11 for UON.

Equity had won Game One on Saturday 60-32 and will have an easy task going ahead as they only need to win one game out of the three remaining to ensure themselves a place in the final.

Meanwhile former champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) are also inched closer to league final after defeating Storms 81-61 in Game Two of the semis clash at the same venue a day after 82-52 in Game One on Saturday.

Storms started on a high note winning 17-13 in the first period but KPA pulled up their socks in the second period winning 24-9.

After the break, the Dockers continued with the same momentum with a win of 21-18 before winding it up with a 23-17 win in the last period.

Linet Atieno 24 points was not enough to help Storms secure a win as Shilda Indasi scored 20 for the Dockers.

The Dockers will now be hosting Storms for Game Three, Four and Five in Mombasa next weekend though they only need one win to book a place in the final once again.

Head coach Mike Opel was happy with the results though, saying it was too early to celebrate.

“The win gives us confidence especially leading 2-0 away; the difference in points says a lot for the team mentality,” Opel said.

Storms Head coach Abel Nson conceded defeat arguing that KPA played their best.

“The game was great; we made some mistakes that created this gap. Series it’s a best of five we still have a chance in Mombasa, KPA played a fantastic game and we will work on our mistakes,” Nson said.

KPA is likely to meet Equity in the final which will be a repeat of last season finale.