National champions KCB Lions suffered their first loss of the season at the weekend, going down 58-55 against Co-operative Bank of Kenya at the National Stadium.
The game was even early on, with the score tied at 17 to end the first quarter. The Lions edged in front in the second period to lead 34-29 at halftime.
But the Bankers surprised them after the break, outscoring them 21-10 in the third period for a 50-44 advantage and KCB could not make a final push in a low-scoring final frame.
Salim Ali led the way for Co-op, scoring a team-best 13 points. Moses Kamau added 10.
Tobias Onyango had a game-high 15 for KCB who dropped to 4-1.
Meanwhile, Posta beat United States International University (USIU) 70-65 in a close and tough battle.
The mailmen were up 16-13 after the first quarter but the Tigers roared right back in the second to tie the game at 29 at halftime.
Posta regained the upper hand after the break, outscoring their opponents 17-13 in the third period for a 46-42 advantage and they held on by having the upperhand, 24-23, in an action-packed final frame.
The win extended Posta's strong run that sees them in second place with nine points from five matches.
Following the weekend's results, the top three of KCB Lions, Posta and Co-op have all lost one game as the race to top the 12-team table intensifies.
Rising star William Otieno led the Posta with 23 points while Ben Oluoch added 19 points. Arou Chan had 16 for USIU, who have won two of their three matches.
Elsewhere, International Christian Centre (ICC) crushed Blazers 71-45 behind 19 points by Griffin Ligare, while Masinde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology (MMUST) crushed winless Lomboritz 92-58.
In the women's top flight, reigning champions Eagle Wings were flying high against Predators, crushing them 93-29.
Anastasia Njeri led the Eagles - who blew the game wide open with a 32-3 second quarter - with 28 points. Angela Okoth added 25.
In other games, Mennonites got the better of USIU 68-58, while league leaders Yana managed a hard-fought 42-39 win over a stubborn Strathmore University. Nairobi Aviation College (NAC) cruised past Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 72-30 and Nairobi Pentecostal Church (NPC) were crushed 52-70 by former champions Ulinzi Warriors.
Dann OWERRE
FIBA