Nairobi City Thunder triumphed over Ulinzi Warriors with an 85-59 victory in their Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL) clash in a commanding performance at Nyayo Stadium on Friday night.
The match, which tipped off at 8:00 PM, saw Thunder take control from the start, showcasing precision in offense and seamless teamwork.
By the end of the first quarter, they had already established a lead and showed no signs of letting up. As the game progressed, Thunder expanded their advantage, especially in the second quarter, where their aggressive play left Ulinzi Warriors struggling to stay in contention.
At halftime, Thunder had a clear advantage, and the third quarter proved decisive. Thunder outscored Ulinzi 28-16, building an insurmountable lead. Despite Ulinzi’s attempts to mount a comeback in the final quarter, the Thunder defense held firm, limiting Ulinzi to just 15 points while adding 16 to their own tally to seal the win.
Derrick Ogechi was the standout performer for Nairobi City Thunder, leading the scoring with consistent baskets. Larry Shavanga played a key role in controlling the tempo with his precise passing and solid defense, while James Mwangi and Faheem Guinia contributed significantly to Thunder’s offensive success.
Following the game, head coach Bradley Ibs praised his team’s execution: “We stuck to the game plan and played as a unit. Everyone contributed to this win, and we must maintain this intensity as we move forward, especially with the BAL Elite 16 coming up.”
Ulinzi Warriors’ coach acknowledged Thunder’s superiority but remained optimistic: “It was a tough match. Thunder capitalized on our mistakes, but we’ll regroup and return stronger.”
With the victory, Nairobi City Thunder solidified their position as one of the top contenders in the KNBL. Their dominant performance serves as a clear message to other teams as they set their sights on the championship title.
