Ulinzi, KPA braced for testing playoff period

The heavyweight playoff semi-final pitting Ulinzi Warriors and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is set to be decided this weekend when the two clash for Games Three, Four and Five at the Nyayo Gymnasium in Nairobi.

The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) titans head into Game Three on Friday locked at 1-1 following opening rounds staged in Mombasa and Ulinzi will be keen to make home court advantage count.

The soldiers won Game One 82-69 and KPA responded with a crushing 92-69 victory in Game Two. Last year, the two sides met in last year’s final where KPA emerged victors.

Ulinzi have enjoyed a superior campaign, topping the regular season with 43 points while KPA finished further back in fourth with 38 points and a playoff win for either will leave them facing either Thunder or EMYVBA in the final.

Ulinzi captain John Washika is optimistic of emerging winners.

“We have prepared well, worked on our lapses that we had during Game Two in Mombasa,” Washika said.

On his side KPA head coach Sammy Kiki said he is expecting a tough match.

“I expect big resistance from our opponents because they are wounded but we will be ready for them, just preparing the boys mentally and physically and how it’s important to win Game Three and Four,” the experienced tactician added.

His sentiments were echoed by his assistant coach Samwel Ocholla.

“I am expecting nothing but a win and continuation from our last game in Mombasa, we have prepared well and I don’t see any reason why we cannot win,” confident Ocholla said.

Meanwhile Thunder and EMYBA will also be locking horns at the same venue, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Game Three, Four and Five respectively.

The two also drew 1-1 in the five game series after EMYBA won Game One last Saturday 83-80 and Thunder won 80-71 on Sunday.

Thunder head coach Sadat Gaya said they are going to play their best and avoid mistakes they did in previous matches.

“My expectations are to execute offensive and defensive and play Thunder basketball, something we struggled doing in the first two games,” Sadat said.

 

Weekend Fixtures

Friday

G3: Ulinzi VS KPA- 6PM

G3: Thunder VS EMYBA- 8PM

Saturday

G4: Thunder VS EMYBA- 2PM

G4: Ulinzi VS KPA- 4PM

Sunday

G5: Ulinzi VS KPA- 2PM

G5: Thunder VS EMYBA- 4PM

Tags:

KPA Ulinzi Warriors KBF playoffs

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