Defending champions Ulinzi Warriors gunned down Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 57-48 to even their playoff final series at 2-2 in the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League finals yesterday.
Ulinzi’s three-pointer Eric Mutoro displayed a captain’s performance giving the Warriors a 10-0 lead to take the first quarter 21-7.
During the second session, Ulinzi Warriors and KPA wasted a myriad of chances at the rim. However, another of Mutoro’s rejuvenated plays extended the Warriors lead to 39-20 forcing KPA coach Samuel Kiki to call for a time-out.
The Dockers took the lead in the third quarter however, narrowly lost 14-15 before winning the last quarter 18-09 however, the Warriors bold kick-off proved critical as it helped them close out the game 57-48 at the final buzzer.
Ulinzi Warriors Erick Mutoro was the highest scorer with 22 points that with four three-pointers. KPA Ken Wachira was the best player with 13 points followed by Tobias Odhiambo with 10 points. The Warriors won Game One the previous weekend 68-66 before the Dockers hit back to claim Game Two 69-58 to level the series 1-1 as the last three games moved to Nairobi in the best-of-five series.
Mombasa Dockers are seeking to recover their lost glory won back-to-back in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The Warriors force the battle to final Game Five due today from 2 pm at the Nyayo National Stadium. Game 5 will determine the national championship.
