Basketball in Africa

By Dann Owerre
KENYA open their Four Nations Challenge basketball tournament against former Africa champions Nigeria at the Wembley Indoor Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa tomorrow.
The Kenyans who are due to depart this afternoon for the games should expect a stiff championships considering the calibre of teams involved. Basketball South Africa deputy president Albert Mokoena noted that Kenya, Nigeria and Mozambique are among the most vibrant teams on the continent and would pose greatest competition for the host nation.
According to the draws, the main match of the evening will see South Africa play Mozambique. On Friday, South Africa face Nigeria as Kenya entertain Mozambique. The last day of the competition will see Mozambique take on Nigeria while South Africa closes the three-day show against Kenya.
On the local league front, University of Nairobi 'Terrorists' stunned Lions 60-50 in a top clash at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium. William Mayiel nailed 16 points for the winners while the losers had game high 23 including a stunning 17 in one stretch from Opiyo. In the women's tie, Eagle Wings hit Kenyatta University 'Oryx' 52-24. Player/coach Evelyne Kedogo and Lucy Machuma each picked up 12 points while Berine Okoth had 10 for KU.
In Mombasa, reigning men's champions KPA beat Equity Bank 70-56. New signing Aroun Ramadhan led the way with 14 points and Anthony Okello had 13. Paul Nyakinda scored 15 for the losers.
KPA women on the other hand, walloped Equity Bank 76-58, behind 21 points from Yvonne Akinyi while Hellen Oketch registered 14. The bankers Samba Mjomba posted 20.
In the lower division matches in Nairobi, newly promoted Emyba lost their opener as they went down 73-59 to Trailblazers who had Michael Ligare collecting 20 points. Baraka Xtreme home game was moved from Thika and they lost 67-55, behind 16 points from Samuel Soicha. Blazers nipped new boys Don Bosco 47-46 as Joseph Koech nailed 13 poin