The KPA ladies’ basketball team showcased their prowess and successfully defended their Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) title with an impressive 68-43 victory against Zetech Sparks in Game Three at Mombasa’s Makande Gymnasium.
With a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, KPA had already secured the championship by winning Games One and Two in Nairobi.
However, both teams are set to face off in additional dead rubber matches—Game Four and Five—on Sunday and Monday.
Although the KPA team initially fell behind in the first quarter with a score of 8-16, they made a remarkable comeback in the second quarter, outscoring the Sparks 11-6. This resilient performance resulted in a halftime score of 19-22.
During an extraordinary display in the final quarter, KPA dominated the game with an impressive 30-12 run, ultimately securing their title with a resounding 68-43 win.
The jubilant fans flooded the court with blue flags and chanted praise songs, celebrating the heroic efforts of their players.
Head coach Anthony Ojukwu remained composed and confident throughout the intense contest. In a post-match interview, he expressed his gratitude to his determined and experienced team for their exceptional performance in clinching the league title.
Looking ahead, Ojukwu emphasized the team’s shift in focus towards bigger prizes in African and global basketball tournaments. With conviction, he stated, “We must now direct our attention to continental and world tournaments, as it is evident that we lack serious opponents here at home,” further solidifying their dominant position.
Meanwhile, Sparks coach Maurice Obilo acknowledged the valuable learning experience for his young team, considering their first-ever appearance in the finals.
Regardless of a commendable effort in the first and second quarters, the players became carried away, leading to amateur mistakes that ultimately cost them the match. Obilo expressed disappointment but remained optimistic for the future.
In the men’s category, KPA’s defending champion team is on the brink of clinching the title following a convincing 68-44 triumph over Equity.
Winning all four quarters, KPA men currently hold a 2-1 advantage in the series, with the final decisive match scheduled for the next day at the same venue.
KPA showcased their strength from the onset, securing a commanding 22-7 lead in the first quarter, and narrowly edging out Equity 11-10 in the second quarter.
The team’s unwavering determination, coupled with fervent support from their fans, propelled them to triumph in the third and fourth quarters, finishing with scores of 16-12 and 19-15, respectively.
Head coach Sammy Kiki commended the team’s intensive training throughout the week, which enabled them to rectify the mistakes made in Game Two. Eager to conclude the finals in Game Four, Kiki expressed the team’s unwavering determination to secure the championship in the upcoming Sunday match.
As the KPA women’s team celebrates their successful title defence and the men’s team awaits the final showdown, basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the thrilling culmination of the 2022-23 season.
