In a game that highlighted the stark contrast in skill level between the two teams, Zetech Sparks easily defeated Africa Nazarene University’s Panthers 85-31 in Game One of their playoff quarter-finals clash at Nyayo Gymnasium, Nairobi on Saturday.
Kenyan international Medina Okot, Chantal Kiyobe, and Agneta Kambua put on an impressive performance, combining for 45 points to lead the Sparks to victory.
Despite the Panthers’ best efforts, which were spearheaded by Stella Nekesa, Nicole Adhiambo, and Beryl Adhiambo, who scored a combined 21 points, they were unable to keep up with Zetech’s relentless offence.
Zetech started the game on a high note, dominating the first quarter 16-02, before putting on an even more impressive display in the second quarter, winning 29-05 to establish a commanding 45-07 lead at halftime.
The Sparks continued their dominance after the break, winning the third quarter 28-10 before the Panthers rallied to take the fourth quarter 14-12, but it was too little too late.
Zetech head coach Maurice Obilo was pleased with his team’s performance but is already looking ahead to the next game, “We did well, my girls played good basketball despite not having enough time to train.
Tomorrow’s game is just another different game because this one is over. We shall approach it with a different mentality and make sure we win so that we start focusing on the semis immediately.”
ANU head coach Michael Oluoch acknowledged that his team was outmatched, saying, “Zetech started strongly in the first half, we couldn’t catch up. But we will try and work on our mistakes in tomorrow’s game.”
In other quarter-finals action, Strathmore Swords qualified for the semi-finals by defeating Storms 49-40 in Game Two. The students won Game One 45-29 and ended the series 2-0.
Equity Hawks also dominated in Game One, defeating UON Dynamites 86-27, putting them one step closer to the semis. The two teams will face off again on Sunday in Game Two.
