Lakeside hold off Ulinzi to record first win

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men’s Premier League side Lakeside put on a spirited fight to end defending champions Ulinzi Warriors’ unbeaten start to the season in a clutch game played at the Manyatta Arabs Primary School.

The hosts held their own to record the weekend’s biggest upset thanks to a 61-59 margin to record their first win of the season after losing their opening four matches.

The soldiers who had won their first four matches could not find the telling basket that could have completed their comeback as the hosts held on for the victory.

Elated Lakeside assistant head coach Lusaga Brian attributed their crucial win to good preparations, adding the team will aim to build on it to improve from their poor start.

“We had better preparations and it was a matter of time before the team could start gelling.

“We had brought in many new players and they required time to get team chemistry which we started seeing against Ulinzi who had top-class players,” Lusaga said

Lusaga revealed they had to be tactically right against the defending champions who fielded three Kenyan internationals Victor Bosire, James Mwangi, and Eric Mutoro.

“We had to cut down on their guard which is their main strength.

“We played good defense and our offense worked after improving from previous games,” he added.

Lakeside now has six points after losing against EMYBA, Thunder, Eldonets, and KPA following their weekend win while Ulinzi has nine points after winning against Blades, Eldonets, KCA-University, and Umoja.