International Christian Center (ICC), Co-operative Bank of Kenya and United States International University (USIU) registered big wins as the premier league continued over the weekend.
ICC stopped Strathmore University 68-60, Co-op convincingly overcame Lombvoritz 74-31 while USIU Tigers mauled University of Nairobi "Terrorists" in the main premier league matches played at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
The Blades trailed 24-14 in the first quarter after Paul Ojuoga had opened the scores. But in the second quarter, they recovered smartly to take a 20-16 lead but still trailed 34-40 as both teams broke for the break.
After resumption, Kenn Maru slipped inside and connected from a rebound bringing Strathmore 40-44 but again ICC hung on. A three pointer by David Ogolla clawed it back to 44-47 and Ojuoga basket restored ICC advantage at 49-44.
In a nip and tup tussle that ensued, Maru made it 50-54 James Omune then shot two consecutive three pointers pushing the ICC lead to 64-55 with 3:30 to play and the students never recovered despite a three by Paul Nyakinda at 60-66.
Griffin Ligare shot 21 points and Omune hit 14 to lead a strong ICC charge. Maru led the Blades scoresheet with 16, while Nyakinda posted 10.
Former national champions Co-operative Bank of Kenya thrashed Lomboritz 74-31 in an easy fixture. The bankers were unstoppable as they got 18 points from Ali Mzee and 10 from Eugene Genga. Co-op raced off to a 36-18 lead at the break.
It was Lomboritz's fourth loss in as many matches, a trend that is worrying player/coach Dennis Chute. They put up such a pale show, no one scoring double figures in this game. Ralph Otieno and Anthony Onyango had six and five points respectively.
USIU beat University of Nairobi 80-53. USIU raced to a 21-12 first quarter lead before UoN rallied for a 16-11 cushion in the second quarter.
After the break, a Bill Oketch three pointer and a basket by Ken Kithinji saw the "Terrorists" take a 33-32 lead with the Tigers yet to score a point.
This tie then developed into a seesaw affair with a USIU three pointer by Victor Bosire giving them a 43-37 margin they never relinquished.
Aoru Chan three point play saw USIU take a deserved 46-39 edge while stiffling the UoN defensively. Bosire sunk two consecutive three pointers that ensured a Tigers win.
Victor Kwambei then put the icing on the cake with yet another three for USIU.
Bosire led the tally with 21 points that included five treys, while Evans Leting managed 15. Oketch nailed 17 and Kithinji fired 13 for UoN.
To the women's league, where Sprite Storms won 55-39 against USIU Flames as Emma Nyakweba collected 18 points amnd Sylvia Omollo chipped in with 10. For USIU, it was Sajda Ahmed was a hit with 17.
Dann OWERRE
FIBA AFrica