KPA dominate KBF Premier League action

Equity's Victor Ochieng (right) and KPA's Job Byron during KBF Premier League at the Nyayo National Stadium. Oct 24, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men and women basketball teams dominated the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League matches played at the weekend which saw both sides assume top spot of the individual league standings.

In the women’s Premier League, KPA women continued their dominance after registering their 15th win of the campaign in 16 matches. Their only defeat came at the hands of defending champions Equity Banks.

The commanding victories over Strathmore University and University of Nairobi’s Dynamites on the road in Nairobi saw them maintain top spot with 31 points.

KPA humiliated hosts Strathmore University Swords 76-30 on Saturday before pushing through University of Nairobi Dynamites 53-33 in the second match on Sunday.

Speaking to the Standard Sports, KPA captain Vilma Achieng said the job is not yet done and their focus remains to keep winning matches and finish in a better position ahead of the playoffs.

“The teams’ goal remains to win many games as possible both away and at home so that we remain on top of the table. In that manner, we get the advantage of playing some crucial games at home during the playoffs,” she said.

Achieng, who has been instrumental for the Mombasa-based basketball side said they will fully maximise their day off this coming weekend to reflect on mistakes committed and improve further in their bid to recapture the Premier league title they last won in 2018.

Equity Bank defeated Storms 45-37 to keep second position on 27 points. The bankers have played 14 matches, won 13 and lost once.

Dynamites are still on course to qualify for the play-offs despite the loss to KPA. The varsity students occupy the fourth spot on 21 points after seven wins and seven loses.

Zetech University, who had no engagement at the weekend, are third on 22 points, Oryx (20), Storms (19), Eagle Wings (19), African Nazarene University (18), Strathmore University (18) and  Lady Bucks (5) follow suit in that order.

In the men’s Premier League, KPA men’s team dislodged champions Ulinzi Warriors from the top of the 12-team table standings with 33 points after bagging four points from the two-match tour of Nairobi.

KPA started off well with a 66-40 victory over hosts University of Nairobi Terrorists and narrowly edging out Equity Bank 63-57.

KPA men, who are left with four outings to conclude the second leg, have so far won 16 matches and lost one.

Ulinzi Warriors, who are away representing Kenya in club Basketball league in Tanzania, dropped to second spot on 31 points from 15 wins and one loss. Lakeside rallied from behind to rock hosts Umoja 46-23 with the victory keeping them in sixth position with 22 points with six matches to go. Thunder is in fifth position on 25 points after they defeated Emyba 89-61.

“It’s always tough on us playing away. The boys are now enjoying the game and are sharing the ball well. We got three points this weekend and we are back to training as we have Umoja at home this weekend and traveling to Mombasa the next weekend,” said Lakeside coach Dismas Oketch.