KENYA : Top guns win as eight team play offs roars off to a lively start

National champions KCB Lions and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women began the defense of their titles in style winning the quarter final matches as the 2009 play offs started at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium over the weekend.

In other matches, Posta stretch regional champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya before falling 63-65 in a cracker while Strathmore University fall to International Christian Center in another lively showdown that drew the first play off over time.

The lively mailmen race to a 12-5 lead in the opening few minutes before the bankers clawed back to trail 18-19 at the end of the first quarter. Both giants tied 25-25 and 29-29 before a Richard Osano three pointer gave Co-op a 32-29 cushion at the breather.

After intermission, Osano made it 47-41 and Ancette Wafula hit a basket for a 44-47 margin as Co-op took went tops at the end of the third quarter. Then it was a Wafula show as he was all over draining a three and Ben Oluoch making the scores 54-53.

The game was locked again 55-55 on a shot by Vincent Ambani. Moses Kamau swished a three pointer for a 59-55 Co-op margin, Franklkin Delano replied with one of his own before Kamau added another one for 62-59 edge.

Oluoch restored some hope with a basket as Posta trailed 61-62 but defensive lapse saw Eugene Genga clinch it for Co-op despite another brave Oluoch basket. He seemed to have won it for the losers but his last gaps effort was ruled short after the play was pulled back.

Bobby Okwako hit 16 while Genga made 14 for Co-op. Posta, who must win Game Two by over three points had game high 25 from Wafula and 14 from Oluoch. Coach Ronnie Owino rued his team missed chances.

Lions.....66 USIU.......51

Lions roared to a 3-27 lead at half time and completed the job easily beating United States International University (USIU) Tigers 66-51. The bankers were superior and would have won with run away away scoreline. Game Two that will determine the series winners will be will be played next week.

KCB remained ahead 55-37 at the end of the third quarter and despite some erratic moments had Victor Odendo leading the way with 15 points and Dennis "Dikeme" Opiyo made 10. USIU had 10 from Abel Nson while Chris Mulumba was restricted to a mere eight points.

ICC....88 Strathmore......84

International Christian Center (ICC) beat Strathmore University 88-84 in overtime of another exiting game. ICC were ahead 41-37 at half time but saw the students come back forcefully to lock the duel 76-76 in regular time prompting an extra five minutes.

Griffin Ligare led ICC, who finished third in regular season with 27 points and Phil Dinga made 15. The "Blades" whose coach Tony Ochieng promised a tough Game Two, had 18 from James Rugut and 15 from Paul Nyakinda.

KPA......64 Strathmore.....40

Reigning women champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) shut out Strathmore University 64-40 as Millicent Anyango scored 15 points, all from beyond the arc while Hellen Oketch made 11 for the porters who were up 38-21 at half time.

"Swords" posed so many problems for their more experienced opponents and they provided the games top marksman in Faith Owich who connected for game high 24 points. The two matches warmed up KPA for the Africa Championships. They depart this afternoon.

USIU........53 KCA......40

Sajda Ahmed led United States Interenational University (USIU) superbly as she scored 20 points to guide Flames to as strong 53-40 win over Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University. USIU were ahead 27-18 at the braek and never let go the advantage.

Baptist.....62 Hope.......47

Parklands Baptists crashed World Hope 62-47 in a lower Division show that saw Colins Ngairo scored 13 points. The losers, up 24-21 at the break had Maurice Obilo as their toast as he led the way with 19 points.

KPA.....56 Strathmore.....44

KPA again failed to impress as they struggled before posting a 56-44 win over Strathmore University "Swords". The porters, who depart for Benin next tomorrow where they will represent the country in the Africa championships had lost 65-56 to Eagle Wings in their last league tie.

Velma Naliaka made 11 points and Irene Murambi, who was unavailable in the Wings loss, had 10 in that win. Gladys Wanjiru scored 17 and Faith Owich bagged 15 for the students who trailed 17-32 at the breather.

Wings.......54 Yana......21

Eagle Wings had it all too easy whipping Yana 54-21 to inch closer to the semi finals. Anastasia Njeri, who limped off against KPA the previous day returned to provide 14 points and Caroline Achieng scored 10 for Wings. Yana's Pamella Sinda led all scorers with 15.

KCA....61 Nakuru....35

The visiting Nakuru Club put up a meek show and were humiliated 61-35 by Kenya College of Accountancy University in a lower division tie. Gerald Mwangi was good for 14 points for KCA while Nakuru had no one scoring in double figures.

Blazers.....58 Mennonites......47

Blazers shocked Mennonites 58-47 and ruined their chances for promotion to the premier. John Gicheru scored 18 points to lead the winners. Steve McOdongo bagged 12 for the "Knights" who must come out strong in Game Two.

Dann OWERRE
FIBA Africa