Basketball in Africa

Story by CAXTON APOLLO


Regional basketball club champions Kenya Commercial Bank Lions yesterday mauled Nakuru Club 104-62 in a high scoring Premier League first leg tie at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
Lions, who retained the East, Central and Southern Africa championship in Nairobi, had a shaky start as visiting Nakuru took advantage to lead 21-19 in the first quarter. Lions roared strongly to race to a 23-19 second quarter lead. Nakuru remained impressive as Lions led 42-40 at half-time. Lions took control in the third and fourth winning30-16 and 32-6 respectively. Greg Odera shot 22 points and Ikapian Juma,16, for Lions. Edgar Kadima provided 10 and Edward Owino, 18, for Nakuru .

Caroline Achieng scored 23 points while Ruth Wasike hit 13 as Yana Club fought from behind to beat experienced Telkom 72-50 in the only women's match of the day. Milka Odhiambo, Pamela Ikonga and Emily Chepchumba had given Telkom a comfortable 15-7 first quarter lead. Yana failed to recover as they trailed 35-26 at the breather.

In the only men's Division One league tie, Telkom beat Nairobi Pentecostal Church 73-63 after leading 39-30 at half-time. Solomon Ochieng scored 21 points David Maina (15) and Maxwel Kaunda (11) for Telkom. Radhi Ndalu shot 18 and Marvin Ocholla ,11, for NPC.