Basketball in Africa

University of Nairobi caused a major upset in the Premier League when they stunned leaders Co-operative Bank of Kenya in an exiting match at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

The campus lads, enjoying the support of an enthusiastic crowd played their hearts out taking a 10 point lead early before going to the break with a close 36-35 advantage.

After resumption, Lewis Muya gave Co-op some hope with his shots and penetrating runs but a determined UoN grittily hanged on. Cliff Ochieng and Musa Odari three pointers brought Co-op close 53-58.

Eugene Genga, Moses Kamau and Brian Busu then took control as the victors build their biggest lead of 13 points at 75-62 mid last quarter.

Ochieng caught fire as Co-op last 12 points were scored from the three pointer range as the bankers closed 75-78 in the last seconds. But UoN finished the game from the line.

Busu led with 27 points while Kamau and Genga combined for 19 while Ochieng managed 23 and Muya hit 21 for Co-op who lost just their second game and are still tops on 24 points.

International Hilda Luvandwa scored 19 points while Emma Nyakweba made 13 and Angela Luchivya 10 as Sprite Storms crushed UoN Dynamites 61-40. Astabina Sichiri made the losers 13.

Yana Milele recovered in time to hit Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technnology (Jkuat) 67-28. Caroline Achieng made 18 points and Sylvia Koech added 13.

Catholic Dream Team (CDT) were thumped 83-33 by former champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). National team forward Gladys Wanyama led the ports women with 31 points.

International Christian Center (ICC) crushed Strathmore University 74-59 in another match.

Debutants Strathmore, who now have only four matches to end their fixtures, are now staring at relegation in the face. They trailed 28-34 at the breather in this saturday encounter.

The result gave ICC, who benefited from a smart move that brought three former Ulinzi Warriors players in Moses Shida, Victor Odendo and Mike Tanui on board, a strong push for a play off slot.

Nelson Njau scored 15 points and Maurice Ochieng shot 18 for the victors who even had a rare three pointer from Shida. Blades had 13 from Paul Nyakinda and 11 from Ken Maru.

The students coach Tony Ochieng promised that his boys will not be relegated. "I still have four matches which I will win. My team will not be relegated." he told SportFest after the match.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) beat Yana Milele 70-41 in a top women's tie. The ports women who were ahead 32-24 at the break tormented ths losers in all the four quarters.

International forward Gladys Wanyama posted 11 points to guide KPA to this easy win while Yana's Maureen Andalia led all scorers with game high 15 points.

Dann OWERE