Ulinzi chasing second spot as KPA keep unbeaten record

Ulinzi are eying to finish at least second in the men’s Kenya Basketball Federation League, to qualify for the playoffs that will see eight best teams battle for the 2018 championship.

Following weekend wins over USIU and Strathmore’s Blades 68-40 and 47-36 respectively, Ulinzi sustained pressure on leaders Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who are unbeaten so far.

Ulinzi head coach William Balozi has affirmed their quest to challenge for the best spot possible, saying his charges can only play second to runaway leaders KPA.

“I’m happy for my team. We had tight matches but we thank God we were able to win all of them and we hope to continue with the same spirit in the remaining matches. Our desire is to finish second since position one seems to be having in mind KPA is unbeaten,” Balozi offered.

The soldiers have so far lost five league matches and will be playing their next match in Kisumu against Lakeside before traveling to Mombasa to face defending champions KPA.

On their side defending champions KPA continued hammered World Hope 66-57 in Mombasa while their female counterparts defeated Masaku Sparks 80-35.

KPA captain Samuel Ocholla has conceded they are under pressure to keep the unbeaten record.

“Personally I don’t like this unbeaten thing, it puts a lot of pressure on the team and other teams are really putting up a fight to break it,” Ocholla said.

Ocholla however says the team spirit and hunger for excellence has worked wonders for the team in the campaign.

“I believe the urge to perform better and raise the KPA name is what keeps us going, and everyone knows this. We focus on bigger games outside the country trying to get KPA where it was in the 90’s, he added.

Weekend Premier League results

Ulinzi 68-40 USIU

Ulinzi47-36 Blades

KPA 66-57 World Hope

KCA 47-52 Umoja

Equity Bank 55-63 Umoja

KCA 43-42 USIU

Women Premier League

KPA 80-35 Masaku Sparks

USIU 47-29 Footprints

Storms 41-31 Eagle Wings

USIU 39-59 Equity Bank