Peerless Swords, USIU's Flames win to maintain unbeaten run

When KPA's Selina Okumu (with ball) played against Emmaculate Awuor of Strathmore University's Sword at USIU. [File, Standard]

Strathmore University Swords and United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Flames yesterday won their respective Kenya Basketball Federation Women's Premier League matches played at Nyayo Gymnasium.

Swords beat University of Nairobi (UoN) Dynamites 67-51 to extend their winning streak to five matches out of five.

Flames, who were not in action for the better part of the season, on the other hand, added misery on the hapless Storms with a 62-33 win. This was Flames second match this season while Storms who seem to be courting relegation suffered their sixth straight loss.

Dynamites Jane Kemunto remained in top form sinking an impressive 27 points but her effort was not good enough to save her side from defeat. While individual brilliance failed to bear fruit for Dynamites, Swords' victory was as result of team effort with Nerea Opondo leading the scores with 16 points. Jackie Adhiambo and Joy Mupalia consolidated their effort with 15 and 14 points respectively.

Strathmore dominated the match from the onset as they capitalised on their opponents' failure to settle in the match fast to take a commanding 25-11 lead by the end of the period. Dynamites would regain their footing to take the second quarter 13-11 but the damage had already been done with Swords enjoying a 12-point advantage by the breather.

Swords would prove to be the better side on resumption taking the third quarter 17-11 and extending their lead to 53-35. Dynamites fought tooth and nail in the final period but their fate had already been decided as they succumbed to their third loss despite taking the period 16-14.

Flames had a field day against the Storms, who are having a very dull season and have yet to taste victory.

Flames called the shots from the whistle and their eventual victory was evident as they took the first set 22-9. The students, who are looking to recapture the title they last won in 2015, were done and dusted by the breather as they took an unassailable 37-17 lead.

Storms would continue to struggle in the second half scoring a pitiable four points against Flames' 15. With victory within their reach Flames relaxed in the final quarter allowing Storms to take it 12-10.

Swords and Flames will today battle out with one set to lose their win record. Dynamites will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Swords when they take on Zetech University Sparks.