16 September 2012

KENUA : Dockers sink Tigers

USIU Tigers vs KPA
USIU Tigers vs KPA

Updated on 15/09/12 | By DENNIS MACHIO
 
USIU men’s basketball team 'The Tigers’ on Saturday evening surrendered an early lead to lose to hosts KPA 81-73 in a charged KBF premier League match played at Makande Hall in Mombasa. After dominating the first quarter which they won 10-15, the Tigers flopped in the second and third quarters losing 23-15, and 29-19 respectively and despite coming back with flashes of brilliance in the final quarter which they won 21-24, it was not enough to claw the hosts.
The Tigers looked weak in fast break defending and stand in coach Isaac Munyoki says “We had too many turn overs in the middle of the third quarter and this is where we allowed KPA to pull away. We tried our best to recover but looks like it was too late to cover the gap.”
USIU started with power even managing some lovely dunks that sent false shock waves among the many KPA fans who had jammed the gym for the evening treat. KPA looked composed after the first quarter loss coming back in the second with smoother tactics that pinned down the students with quick baskets which opened a good gap.
“We were very slow in transition and we allowed them too many breaks that helped them get too many easy points and we failed to respond adequately.” Munyoki added.
The Coast based outfit who are within the KBF premier league title contention recently recruited lavishly bringing on board top rated players in the Kenyan league including Abel Nson from defending champions Coop bank, Alex and Fred Lugasi from Masinde Muliro, Dennis Opiyo and Martin Gitonga all known to be good scorers. Their experience was evident in the second and third quarters as they took advantage of USIU’s frequent lapses in defense to sink in points at will especially with the help of quick breaks.
KPA’s Dan Okwiri while speaking after the match says, “We had a bad first quarter but then on progress experience helped us recover well. Everyone played their role, we maintained our discipline and it is great we came out tops against a well drilled team.’’
Despite the loss, Munyoki says “ We have had a good performance this season and we cannot be judged by losing this one against KPA that is a good side with quality players.”
Earlier at the same court, USIU Flames ladies had also lost to KPA.

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