Warriors stab Umoja in league battle as Morans fall in Nakuru

Former champions Ulinzi Warriors bounced back to winning ways after they dismissed underdogs Umoja 63-60 in a closely contested Premier League clash held at the USIU grounds.

The experienced Warriors proved to be the better side holding off Umoja in the early minutes of the match posting a scoreline of 16-13,17-12 and further stretched the lead to 18-15 in the third quarter.

Umoja came back strong in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Warriors 20-12. It was however too late as they settled for a  63-60 defeat at the whistle.

Joshua Okumu led the scoreline netting in a game high 33 points and Antonio Bwire added 6 points for the Warriors as centre Nick Ogol and point guard Gilbert Obiero scored 17 points each for the losers.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Ulinzi tactician William Balozi said the win was of much importance as it relieved pressure off them after coming of a terrible weekend; having lost back- to- back matches against Equity Bank and defending champions KPA.

“Injury was a major factor coming into the game as we lost our key players led by national point guard Erick Mutoro and Triberious. However we were up throughout and there was no need to panic as it was Umoja who were behind and had the catching up to do. I hope to carry the same tempo in tomorrow’s game against Thunder as we wrap up our first leg of the season.”

In the women’s match, Zetech University hammered stubborn Strathmore Swords 52-35 with captain Lucy Mbithe leading the scoreline with 20 points as Barbra Ochieng consoled the losers with 7 points.

ANU and UON Dynamites were the easiest winners of the day after they were handed walkover wins against Eldonets and Egerton respectively who failed to show up for the match.

Collated results

JKUAT 32-47 Woodley Knights

4 Christ 53-59 Nebulas

KDF Morans 51-69 Nakuru Club

Little Prince 39-38 Blazers