Rampant KPA charges on in quest to retain the title

Kenya basketball men defending champions Kenya Ports Authority continued to stamp their authority in their quest to defend the title winning their twin weekend league matches against KCA and Strathmore’s Blades with scores of 64-50 and 56-46 respectively.

In their Saturday match against KCA, KPA took control of the first three quarters winning 22-09, 12-09, 13-12, but fell in the last quarter losing 17-20.

KCA’s Brian Odari was the most rampant player in the contest scoring 18 points but it could not secure them a win against the strong dockers.

And against last season’s runners up Blades, KPA triumphed with a similar victory. Blades prevailed in the first quarter winning 17-15 but KPA regrouped to claim the last three; 12-03, 16-14, and 13-12.

Cliff Alela scored 11 points for Blades but this could not help the students get a win.

In an interview with Citizen Digital, KPA captain Samuel Ocholla said they faced tough opposition but is pleased with the wins.

“Both matches were hard; both teams had shown some impressive performances in their previous matches but I thank my team-mates for their hard work,” Ocholla said.

Being champions, Ocholla is cognizant of the fact that they are the team to beat and many are keen to halt their unbeaten run.

The dockers face Thunder in their next assignment before travelling to Dar es Salaam at the end of the month for African Zone Five championship.

However, as KPA continue with their dominance in the men league, their women team were hammered 67-54 by Storms at the weekend. The defeat came hot in the heels of a 67-36 win over Strathmore.

Betty Nkatha and Mercy Wanyama scored  18 points and 14 points respectively to hand Storms the win KPA captain Brenda Angeshi did not hide her frustrations after the defeat.

“It’s a lesson for us but we have learned from it and going forward we are going to work on our weaknesses. We hope to come out strong in the coming fixtures even as we prepare for the African Zone Five championship,” She added.

In other matches

KDF Morans 64-61 EMYBA

Thunder 73-51 Trailblazers

World Hope 49-39 Lakeside

Strathmore 64-49 KDF Morans

Woodley 53-70 Blazers

Eagle Wings 47-45 Masaku

EMYBA 64-71 Barclays

Ulinzi 46-50 Thunder