Zetech Sparks made history by completing a clean sweep against powerhouse Equity Hawks, demolishing them 71-40 in Game Three to secure a spot in the Kenya Women’s Basketball Premier League final for the first time.
Zetech delivered a stunning blow to Equity, who had been regular finalists since 2016, with their commanding victory in the five-game series. They will now face defending champions Kenya Ports Authority in the highly anticipated final set to commence next weekend.
The Nyayo Gymnasium was packed to capacity at exactly 5:30 PM, as basketball enthusiasts eagerly awaited the showdown between underdogs Zetech Sparks and experienced Equity Hawks.
Fans of all ages, including adults, youth, students, and kids, armed themselves with vuvuzelas, ready to cheer on their favorite teams in this floodlit match.
This crucial Game Three marked the semifinal playoffs between the two teams, with Zetech entering the game with a 2-0 lead after securing victories in the first two matches the previous weekend.
The young, ambitious, and determined Zetech squad started the game strongly, winning the first quarter 18-13 and extending their lead with a 20-12 triumph in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a commanding 38-25 advantage.
Equity fought back after the break, winning the low-scoring third quarter 11-8. However, Zetech had a different plan as they drained the energy from the bankers, dominating the fourth quarter with an impressive 25-4 scoreline, leaving Equity in disarray.
Chantal Kiyobe and Medina Okot shone for the university side, contributing 24 and 20 points respectively. Silalei Shani and Annerose Mandela combined for 22 points for the bankers.
Zetech Sparks’ head coach expressed his elation over the victory, praising his team’s performance and discipline.
“I want to commend my girls for their outstanding work and discipline today. We knew we could beat them, but a 3-0 sweep was beyond our expectations. This clean sweep gives the girls tremendous confidence, which I believe will carry them into the final against the defending champions. It’s a momentous achievement for us, being in the semifinals for the first time and now reaching the final,” Obilo said.
In another semifinal held at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa, defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) dominated Strathmore Swords in Game Three, winning convincingly 69-47 to secure their place in the final of the Kenya Women’s Premier League.
Having already triumphed in Game One and Game Two with scores of 78-37 and 72-39 respectively at Nyayo Gymnasium, the Dockers only needed one more victory to seal their spot, ending the series with a resounding 3-0 result in the five-game playoffs.
KPA took control of the first half, leading comfortably with a 23-7 win in the first quarter and extending it to a halftime score of 46-20 with another triumph of 23-13 in the second quarter.
Although Strathmore displayed a stronger performance in the second half, winning the third quarter 16-15 and the final quarter 11-8, it was too late as the Dockers had already secured their place in the final.
Ifunaya Okoro, Vilma Achieng, and Okoth Belinda combined for 40 points for the Dockers, while Joy Mpalia, Ogaji Sharon, and Margaret Ayieko contributed 34 points for the students.
In the men’s premier league, KPA secured their second win in the series, overwhelming Thunder 78-32, giving them a 2-1 lead in the five-game series. The Mombasa-based team, KPA, now stands just one victory away from qualifying for the final. With the current 2-1 lead in the series, they need to win either of the remaining two matches to secure their spot.
On the other hand, Thunder finds itself in a challenging position. They must win both of the remaining matches to have a chance at qualifying for the final.
The two teams will face off again at the same venue on Sunday for Game Four, where Thunder will be looking to bounce back and keep their hopes alive.
KPA’s dominance in the series has been evident so far, showcasing their strength and determination to defend their title. Thunder, however, will be determined to stage a comeback and push the series to its limit.
The intense battle between these two teams has captivated basketball enthusiasts, who eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches and the thrilling conclusion to the men’s premier league playoffs.
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in both the women’s and men’s premier leagues. Basketball fans across the country eagerly await the final matches to witness the crowning of champions in the Kenya Women’s Basketball Premier League and the ultimate determination of the men’s premier league finalists
