Strathmore crush Zetech, set semis date with Equity

A stunning comeback from 30-19 baskets down at the break to 53-47 at the final whistle hauled Strathmore University women to the basketball semis eliminating Zetech University.

Strathmore Swords bagged the students’ derby bragging rights winning two out of the three games in the second quarter finals playoffs.

The sharp Swords rekindled their game defensively in the second half, letting in 17 while their counter attack plan bore fruits, putting in 34 baskets in their opponents’ ring.

Ronald Owino, Strathmore head coach, admitted that they had a slippery defence in the first two quarters that could have cost them the game.

“It was a tough first half, we were down with 11 points but we came back with a lot of positive energy and good defence,” excited Owino told Citizen Digital.

Strathmore who have not qualified for the semis for the last four years will take on Equity Bank at the semis playoffs and Owino is confident that his charges will humble the bankers.

“Equity is a good team and we respect them, they are the zone five champs but no fears absolutely, we will take each game at a time,” he noted.

Swords captain, Joy Mary Akoth, was full of praise for her teammates for the sensational comeback adding that they did exactly what the coach had instructed them to do at the break.

“He told us that a good defence will win us the match and we worked for that. We are very excited, since I joined Strathmore University four years ago, we haven’t played in the semis,” Akoth said.

The Maurice Obilo coached side, Zetech, lost focus towards the end of the game and Obilo blames lack of experience in his side.

“They celebrated at the break and in their mind they knew they have won and lost focus. Most of the players are very new in the team and I am happy to have reached here with them,” a disappointed Obilo told mourned.

The first game in the semis playoffs, Storms Club will square it out with Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) as Strathmore face Equity.