Stanbic Warriors 73-92 Ndejje Univ. Angels
After dropping five successive league games, Ndejje Angels returned to winning ways in style.
The university out fit blew out two-time champions, Stanbic Warriors 92-73 on Wednesday night at YMCA.
Micheal Otieno tormented Warriors with season high 36 points,
connecting 11-of-16 from the floor with four from down town. The guard
also handed out nine helpers on the big night.
“We keep talking about the mental side of the game and we needed
strong finishes to games and we did that today” Ndejje’s coach, Chris
Kyambadde said after the triumph.
Ndejje started the game game their traditional way – strong and took
the opening quarter 19-17 before exploding for 26 in the second to go
into halftime up 45-34 and did not look back.
“We were not weak in the game we were playing but weak in holding on
to our leads. We have been working on those scenarios in practice and
the players are trying to respond and responded in a big way today”
Kyambadde said.
Jonah Otim who knocked down 6-of-11 from distance contributed 24
points for Angels (3-5). Brian Ssentongo and Brian Odur chipped in with
16 and 11 points respectively.
The loss was Warriors’ fourth and the team is yet to win against
their match having already lost to Power, Falcons, City Oilers and now
Ndejje.
Warriors’ coach, Gad Eteu couldn't hide his disappointment with the player’s attitude on the night.
“There is nothing i can do about the players’ attitude” he said.
Sam Gombya scored 19 points and picked 14 rebounds to pace Warriors.
Josh Johnson contributed 13 points on his debut and Mark Opio had 11
points.
29 June 2015
RWANDA : CSK ready to challenge Espoir for playoffs title
Buzangu of CSK, prepares to take a free-through, he was named the (MVP) of last season's playoffs. (File)
Espoir 93-80 IPRC-Kigali
30-Plus 35-76 APR
Women
UR- CASS 58-57 The Hoops
Friday
CSK 87-80 IPRC-Kigali
Cercle Sporif de Kigali (CSK) basketball club are determined to dethrone holders Espoir as champions of the playoffs series, which begin this weekend.
The two giants met in last year’s finals, and will again come head-to-head in the best-of-three semi-finals with the Game 1 scheduled for Friday evening.
CSK head coach Bob Ngoga believes time is now for his team to prove their worth and can deny Espoir for a second title of the season and a fourth successive double—league and playoffs titles.
Espoir finished on top of the table in the regular season while CSK came on four position. Newly-formed Patriots BC, who finished second, will be up against third-placed APR will vying for a ticket to the best-of-five finals.
“We could have done better in the league but the important thing right now is that we secured a slot in the play-off. We are facing holders Espoir in the semi-finals and the target is to see them off and go on to win the trophy,” Ngoga told Times Sport.
Three weeks ago, the later lost 55-57 to CSK in the final of the local Genocide Memorial Tournament.
Last year, Jean Bahufite’s Espoir claimed the title after overpowering CSK in a four-game series of finals (3-1) and former Rwanda’s international of Mike Buzangu of CSK was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition.
In the meantime, both Espoir and CSK finished the regular season on high, winning their final league games 93-80 on Saturday and 87-80 on Friday against Kicukiro-based IPRC-Kigali respectively.
Elsewhere, APR thrashed 30-Plus 76-35. In women’s league, UR-College of Arts and Social Sciences (UR- CASS) narrowly won 58-57 over The Hoops Rwanda.
KENYA Ports Authority beat Sprite Storms 68-43 in a Premier League duel at the Makande Welfare Hall, Mombasa.
The result of this Eastern Conference showdown saw the dock women move past Equity Bank to take third spot with eight points. Storms are still second on nine points, same as leaders Strathmore University, who have a better aggregate.
National star forward Yvonne Akinyi led the scoring chart with 17 points, Natalie Akinyi posted 15 while Irene Munyango had 11. At the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium, Masaku Sparks walloped KCA University 59-16. Betty Kananu and Pam Sinda were in top form as they nailed 23 and 15 points respectively.
In the men’s premier, Griffin Ligare scored 19 points as he guided Thunder to 80-63 win over University of Nairobi ‘Terrorists’. The losers who trailed 36-47 at the breather had William Biel nailing 27. The other match saw Kenyatta University ‘Pirates’ take a strong 41-37 advantage at half time but went on to fall 93-80 to a charged Kenya Airports Authority.
In the lower division, Trailblazers blanked Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 59-26 while 4-Christ nipped Emyba 48-46 in a closely fought encounter. In the Nairobi Basketball Association women’s league matches played at Upper Hill, Strathmore had 14 from Tanya Ogwel as they beat Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 41-29. USIU hit Gladiators 43-25 as Ghyslaine Uwimana nailed 18 points for the students. University of Nairobi ‘Dynamites’ hit JKUATS Juja 35-16 as Melissa Mwenesi hit 13.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/kpa-overcome-storms-league-duel-makande-welfare-hall#sthash.YjIWzCuD.dpuf
The result of this Eastern Conference showdown saw the dock women move past Equity Bank to take third spot with eight points. Storms are still second on nine points, same as leaders Strathmore University, who have a better aggregate.
National star forward Yvonne Akinyi led the scoring chart with 17 points, Natalie Akinyi posted 15 while Irene Munyango had 11. At the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium, Masaku Sparks walloped KCA University 59-16. Betty Kananu and Pam Sinda were in top form as they nailed 23 and 15 points respectively.
In the men’s premier, Griffin Ligare scored 19 points as he guided Thunder to 80-63 win over University of Nairobi ‘Terrorists’. The losers who trailed 36-47 at the breather had William Biel nailing 27. The other match saw Kenyatta University ‘Pirates’ take a strong 41-37 advantage at half time but went on to fall 93-80 to a charged Kenya Airports Authority.
In the lower division, Trailblazers blanked Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 59-26 while 4-Christ nipped Emyba 48-46 in a closely fought encounter. In the Nairobi Basketball Association women’s league matches played at Upper Hill, Strathmore had 14 from Tanya Ogwel as they beat Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 41-29. USIU hit Gladiators 43-25 as Ghyslaine Uwimana nailed 18 points for the students. University of Nairobi ‘Dynamites’ hit JKUATS Juja 35-16 as Melissa Mwenesi hit 13.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/kpa-overcome-storms-league-duel-makande-welfare-hall#sthash.YjIWzCuD.dpuf
KENYA Ports Authority beat Sprite Storms 68-43 in a Premier League duel at the Makande Welfare Hall, Mombasa.
The result of this Eastern Conference showdown saw the dock women move past Equity Bank to take third spot with eight points. Storms are still second on nine points, same as leaders Strathmore University, who have a better aggregate.
National star forward Yvonne Akinyi led the scoring chart with 17 points, Natalie Akinyi posted 15 while Irene Munyango had 11. At the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium, Masaku Sparks walloped KCA University 59-16. Betty Kananu and Pam Sinda were in top form as they nailed 23 and 15 points respectively.
In the men’s premier, Griffin Ligare scored 19 points as he guided Thunder to 80-63 win over University of Nairobi ‘Terrorists’. The losers who trailed 36-47 at the breather had William Biel nailing 27. The other match saw Kenyatta University ‘Pirates’ take a strong 41-37 advantage at half time but went on to fall 93-80 to a charged Kenya Airports Authority.
In the lower division, Trailblazers blanked Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 59-26 while 4-Christ nipped Emyba 48-46 in a closely fought encounter. In the Nairobi Basketball Association women’s league matches played at Upper Hill, Strathmore had 14 from Tanya Ogwel as they beat Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 41-29. USIU hit Gladiators 43-25 as Ghyslaine Uwimana nailed 18 points for the students. University of Nairobi ‘Dynamites’ hit JKUATS Juja 35-16 as Melissa Mwenesi hit 13.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/kpa-overcome-storms-league-duel-makande-welfare-hall#sthash.YjIWzCuD.dpuf
The result of this Eastern Conference showdown saw the dock women move past Equity Bank to take third spot with eight points. Storms are still second on nine points, same as leaders Strathmore University, who have a better aggregate.
National star forward Yvonne Akinyi led the scoring chart with 17 points, Natalie Akinyi posted 15 while Irene Munyango had 11. At the Nyayo Stadium gymnasium, Masaku Sparks walloped KCA University 59-16. Betty Kananu and Pam Sinda were in top form as they nailed 23 and 15 points respectively.
In the men’s premier, Griffin Ligare scored 19 points as he guided Thunder to 80-63 win over University of Nairobi ‘Terrorists’. The losers who trailed 36-47 at the breather had William Biel nailing 27. The other match saw Kenyatta University ‘Pirates’ take a strong 41-37 advantage at half time but went on to fall 93-80 to a charged Kenya Airports Authority.
In the lower division, Trailblazers blanked Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 59-26 while 4-Christ nipped Emyba 48-46 in a closely fought encounter. In the Nairobi Basketball Association women’s league matches played at Upper Hill, Strathmore had 14 from Tanya Ogwel as they beat Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 41-29. USIU hit Gladiators 43-25 as Ghyslaine Uwimana nailed 18 points for the students. University of Nairobi ‘Dynamites’ hit JKUATS Juja 35-16 as Melissa Mwenesi hit 13.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/kpa-overcome-storms-league-duel-makande-welfare-hall#sthash.YjIWzCuD.dpuf
27 June 2015
RWANDA : IPRC-Kigali, Espoir lock horns as regular season ends
Today
APR vs 30-Plus 2pm
Espoir vs IPRC-Kigali 4pm
Women
UR-CASS vs The Hoops Rwanda 3pm
Already crowned regular season champions Espoir BC take on IPRC-Kigali this afternoon in the final basketball league game of the season at Amahoro indoor stadium court.
Kicukiro-based IPRC-Kigali stunned the reigning champions Espoir 63-65 in the first round game earlier this year to become the first side to beat the four-time reigning champions in three years in the regular season.
On the other hand, Jean Bahufite’s champions want to finish the normal league on high and carry the momentum into the playoffs set to start on July 3. The Nyamirambo-based team are aiming to retain the playoffs title for the fourth consecutive time.
Earlier in the day, Cliff Owour’s youthful APR take on struggling 30-Plus at Amahoro stadium and in the women’s league, University of Rwanda- College of Arts and Social Sciences (UR- CASS) host The Hoops Rwanda in the final women’s league game in Huye district.
Last night, fourth-placed Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) were supposed to host sixth-placed IPRC-Kigali. Espoir, Patriots, APR and CSK are the four teams to compete in this year’s Men’s play-off while holders Ubumwe, APR, The Hoops Rwanda and UR- CASS will contest for the women’s glory.
APR vs 30-Plus 2pm
Espoir vs IPRC-Kigali 4pm
Women
UR-CASS vs The Hoops Rwanda 3pm
Already crowned regular season champions Espoir BC take on IPRC-Kigali this afternoon in the final basketball league game of the season at Amahoro indoor stadium court.
Kicukiro-based IPRC-Kigali stunned the reigning champions Espoir 63-65 in the first round game earlier this year to become the first side to beat the four-time reigning champions in three years in the regular season.
On the other hand, Jean Bahufite’s champions want to finish the normal league on high and carry the momentum into the playoffs set to start on July 3. The Nyamirambo-based team are aiming to retain the playoffs title for the fourth consecutive time.
Earlier in the day, Cliff Owour’s youthful APR take on struggling 30-Plus at Amahoro stadium and in the women’s league, University of Rwanda- College of Arts and Social Sciences (UR- CASS) host The Hoops Rwanda in the final women’s league game in Huye district.
Last night, fourth-placed Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) were supposed to host sixth-placed IPRC-Kigali. Espoir, Patriots, APR and CSK are the four teams to compete in this year’s Men’s play-off while holders Ubumwe, APR, The Hoops Rwanda and UR- CASS will contest for the women’s glory.
26 June 2015
UGANDA : Falcons lie in wait as KIU Titans target top spot in first round finale
Power’s Richard Balemwa (R) defends KIU’s Donald Blick during the league
encounter between the two sides in May. KIU take on Falcons today.
PHOTO BY I. KEZAALA KAMPALA- On two successive Fridays, KIU beat
Tiger Head Power and Warriors to accelerate the power shift from the
sides that shared the titles between 2008 and 2012.
Today they play record six time champions Falcons
with victory not only leaving them as champions City Oilers biggest
challengers but also guarantee top spot as the first round of the
Airtel National Basketball League climaxes at YMCA.
The Kansanga-based side go into today’s game with a
9-1 record. Only City Oilers went into their final first round of
games at 9-1 before losing that match against Our Saviour to stand at
9-2.
Forward Norman Blick, one of several key
off-season recruits beginning to get into their element is averaging 11
points in a 4-0 run for coach Hamza Nyambogo’s side.
With huge pedigree, their opponents Falcons will
look to end the round on a high following a three game slump that was
stopped with last week’s 80-61 triumph over Charging Rhino.
The other game features another in-form side in
UCU Canons, who could also finish at 9-2 with a win over Stanbic
Warriors in what is likely to be guard Josh Johnson’s last game for the
club.
The Mukono University side, bolstered by the
return of Desmond Owili, are in high spirits following last Friday’s
79-68 triumph over Tiger Head Power.
The latter completed their first round games on Wednesday with a straight forward 85-35 win over Bush Court.
Gudi Nasser, benefitting from more playing minutes
this season, scored a game high 20 points while Ndejje ensured Diamonds
ended the first round winless with a 100-59 blow out victory.
Today at YMCA
KIU Titans vs. Star Times Falcons
UCU Canons vs. Stanbic Warriors
Wednesday results
Ndejje University 100-59 Diamonds
Tiger Head Power 85-35 Bush Court
KIU Titans vs. Star Times Falcons
UCU Canons vs. Stanbic Warriors
Wednesday results
Ndejje University 100-59 Diamonds
Tiger Head Power 85-35 Bush Court
25 June 2015
RWANDA : Injured APR wary of Patriots ahead of Playoffs
APR Captain Parfait Ishimwe (R) listens to Coach Cliff Owuor during a league game against 30 Plus in April. (Sam Ngendahimana)
Team captain and small forward Parfait Ishimwe, point guard Pascal Niyonkuru and forward Ally Ruzigande all suffered ankle injuries and their absence will limit their chances to the finals, according to head coach Cliff Owuor.
Newcomers Patriots, who enjoyed their maiden season in the national league beat former champions APR in both the first and return-leg matches and should they, meet again in the playoffs semi-finals, extending the dominance is the target according to tactician Cyrille Kalima.
The seven-time league champions APR need to win their final league game against struggling 30 Plus on June 28 to seal the third place on the table standings to set up a berth against Patriots who already secured second position behind regular season champions Espoir.
APR and Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) both have 29 points from 17 games but the military side ranks third courtesy of a better point average (points scored over points conceded).
According to the rules, champions will be up against the fourth-placed team while first and second runners-up battle it out in the best of three semi-finals and the winners face off in a best-of-five series, according to basketball association’s (FERWABA) technical director Didier Shema Maboko.
Meanwhile, CSK play their final league match today against IPRC- Kigali at 6pm at Amahoro stadium. The latter lost 61-73 to IPRC- South over the weekend and will be facing mighty Espoir on June 28 at Amahoro stadium in the final league match of the season.
Espoir and Ubumwe basketball club are the defending league champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
Full table
Team GP W L PTS
Espoir 17 16 01 33
Patriots 18 14 04 32
APR 17 12 05 29
CSK 17 12 05 29
IPRC- South 18 10 08 28
IPRC- Kigali 16 09 07 25
Rusizi 18 06 12 25
UR- CASS 18 05 13 23
30- Plus 17 02 15 19
UR- CoE 17 01 16 18
12 June 2015
KENYA : Inter-conference games highlight weekend action
Jeremy Opiyo of Zetech and Strathmore's Allan Nyongesa in a previous league match. Both teams will be in action during the Inter-Conference competition. (Photo by Shutterspeed)
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) will this weekend host some of the inter-conference league games in Nairobi.
A total of six matches are lined up pitting teams from different conferences across the three main leagues; men's Premier League, women's Premier League and division one.
The top game in men's Premier League will pit league newcomers Umoja from Western Conference against Zetech University of Eastern Conference at the Nyayo gymnasium. Zetech has had a better display so far winning four games from six played while Umoja has won twice and lost thrice.
Jeremy Yongo, Joshua Kisali and Jeremy Opiyo have been the standout players for Zetech while Umoja has Gilbert Obiero and Kevin Sunguti as their star players.
The Saturday game will be the first meeting between these sides since their division one playoffs final in November that Zetech won.
At Upper Hill School, Co-operative Bank from Eastern Conference will play Western Conference’s Mennonites. Co-op Bank have been bolstered by the return of point guard Khaemba Situma from United States International University- Africa (USIU-A).
It will be a meeting of total contrast; that of a team enjoying financial life against a struggling team. Felix Odhiambo has always been impressive for Mennonites and should rise to the occasion against the bankers, who have a strong backcourt that includes Situma and experienced Salim Ali.
Eastern Conference table-toppers Nairobi City Thunder will play Terror who have lost four games and won two in the Western Conference. With Griffin Ligare on the court, Thunder is sure to be a hard nut to crack for Terror.
In Sudanese import William Mayiel, Terror have a good match for Ligare. Both players are very precise from the 3-point line but teamwork will be very critical for both sides to complement their individual capabilities.
Lethal combination
In the Eastern Conference, it will be a fight for a second win of the season as Kenyatta University Pirates and Nairobi Aviation College face off on Saturday. Pirates will have to deal with the lethal combination of Ben Oluoch and Abel Nson. A point separates both teams.
Pirates will play their second game of the weekend against Strathmore University on Sunday. Only one inter-conference game of the women's Premier League will be played pitting winless Mennonites (Eastern Conference) against Kenyatta University Oryx (Western Conference).
The top clash will be in the Eastern Conference where youthful and unbeaten Strathmore University play the experienced Equity Bank. The bankers will line up Hilda Indasi, Samba Mjomba, Denise Apondi and company against Susan Manya, Mollete Achieng and the entire brigade from Madaraka.
On paper, Strathmore is the firm favorite having won three out of three matches while Equity have won twice and lost once.
Masaku Sparks will get to play their second game of the season in the same conference when they confront Sprite Storms. Despite their newness in the league, Masaku have some experienced hands in the likes of Betty Kananu who played for Oryx and former international Silalei Shani.
For Storms, old-hands Angela Luchivya, Linet Mukiri and Sylvia Omollo are key players.
Two inter-conference games are lined up in division one. EMYBA (Eastern Conference) will play Africa Nazarene University (Western Conference) while 4-Christ (Eastern Conference) will confront MKU Thika (Western Conference).
MKU will play their second game in the Western Conference against Barclays Bank on Sunday. Other games will see a Western Conference matchup as Eldonets host Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) while in the Eastern Conference, Upper Hill will play Baraka Xtreme as Little Prince tackle JKUAT.
KBF Weekend Fixtures
Saturday: Eldonets vs KCA-U (10 a.m., Eldoret), EMYBA vs ANU (9 a.m., Upper Hill), 4-Christ vs MKU Thika (10:30 a.m.), Parklands Baptist vs Don Bosco (9 a.m., Nyayo gymnasium), World Hope vs JKUAT (10:30 a.m.), KU Pirates vs Nairobi Aviation College (12 p.m.), Strathmore Swords vs Equity Bank (2 p.m.), Umoja vs Zetech University (4 p.m.).
Sunday: Mennonites vs KU Oryx (12 p.m., Upper Hill), Co-op Bank vs Mennonites Men (2 p.m.), Thunder vs Terror (4 p.m.), Upper Hill vs Baraka Xtreme (9 a.m., Nyayo gymnasium), Little Prince vs JKUAT (10:30 a.m.), Barclays Bank vs MKU Thika (12 p.m.), Sprite Storms vs Masaku Sparks (2 p.m.), Strathmore University vs KU Pirates (4 p.m.).
A total of six matches are lined up pitting teams from different conferences across the three main leagues; men's Premier League, women's Premier League and division one.
The top game in men's Premier League will pit league newcomers Umoja from Western Conference against Zetech University of Eastern Conference at the Nyayo gymnasium. Zetech has had a better display so far winning four games from six played while Umoja has won twice and lost thrice.
Jeremy Yongo, Joshua Kisali and Jeremy Opiyo have been the standout players for Zetech while Umoja has Gilbert Obiero and Kevin Sunguti as their star players.
The Saturday game will be the first meeting between these sides since their division one playoffs final in November that Zetech won.
At Upper Hill School, Co-operative Bank from Eastern Conference will play Western Conference’s Mennonites. Co-op Bank have been bolstered by the return of point guard Khaemba Situma from United States International University- Africa (USIU-A).
It will be a meeting of total contrast; that of a team enjoying financial life against a struggling team. Felix Odhiambo has always been impressive for Mennonites and should rise to the occasion against the bankers, who have a strong backcourt that includes Situma and experienced Salim Ali.
Eastern Conference table-toppers Nairobi City Thunder will play Terror who have lost four games and won two in the Western Conference. With Griffin Ligare on the court, Thunder is sure to be a hard nut to crack for Terror.
In Sudanese import William Mayiel, Terror have a good match for Ligare. Both players are very precise from the 3-point line but teamwork will be very critical for both sides to complement their individual capabilities.
Lethal combination
In the Eastern Conference, it will be a fight for a second win of the season as Kenyatta University Pirates and Nairobi Aviation College face off on Saturday. Pirates will have to deal with the lethal combination of Ben Oluoch and Abel Nson. A point separates both teams.
Pirates will play their second game of the weekend against Strathmore University on Sunday. Only one inter-conference game of the women's Premier League will be played pitting winless Mennonites (Eastern Conference) against Kenyatta University Oryx (Western Conference).
The top clash will be in the Eastern Conference where youthful and unbeaten Strathmore University play the experienced Equity Bank. The bankers will line up Hilda Indasi, Samba Mjomba, Denise Apondi and company against Susan Manya, Mollete Achieng and the entire brigade from Madaraka.
On paper, Strathmore is the firm favorite having won three out of three matches while Equity have won twice and lost once.
Masaku Sparks will get to play their second game of the season in the same conference when they confront Sprite Storms. Despite their newness in the league, Masaku have some experienced hands in the likes of Betty Kananu who played for Oryx and former international Silalei Shani.
For Storms, old-hands Angela Luchivya, Linet Mukiri and Sylvia Omollo are key players.
Two inter-conference games are lined up in division one. EMYBA (Eastern Conference) will play Africa Nazarene University (Western Conference) while 4-Christ (Eastern Conference) will confront MKU Thika (Western Conference).
MKU will play their second game in the Western Conference against Barclays Bank on Sunday. Other games will see a Western Conference matchup as Eldonets host Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U) while in the Eastern Conference, Upper Hill will play Baraka Xtreme as Little Prince tackle JKUAT.
KBF Weekend Fixtures
Saturday: Eldonets vs KCA-U (10 a.m., Eldoret), EMYBA vs ANU (9 a.m., Upper Hill), 4-Christ vs MKU Thika (10:30 a.m.), Parklands Baptist vs Don Bosco (9 a.m., Nyayo gymnasium), World Hope vs JKUAT (10:30 a.m.), KU Pirates vs Nairobi Aviation College (12 p.m.), Strathmore Swords vs Equity Bank (2 p.m.), Umoja vs Zetech University (4 p.m.).
Sunday: Mennonites vs KU Oryx (12 p.m., Upper Hill), Co-op Bank vs Mennonites Men (2 p.m.), Thunder vs Terror (4 p.m.), Upper Hill vs Baraka Xtreme (9 a.m., Nyayo gymnasium), Little Prince vs JKUAT (10:30 a.m.), Barclays Bank vs MKU Thika (12 p.m.), Sprite Storms vs Masaku Sparks (2 p.m.), Strathmore University vs KU Pirates (4 p.m.).
11 June 2015
NIGERIA : Lagos City Basketball League Put Off
Lagos — The Lagos State Basketball Association (LSBBA) on Wednesday
announced the indefinite postponement of its Lagos City League scheduled
to begin from June 9 to Aug. 10.
The association's Secretary, Bolaji Fashola, said in a statement that the decision to shift the date of the competition was to allow participating teams to honour scheduled engagements which might clash with the City League.
He said new date for the competition would be decided soon and conveyed to the various teams expected to participate.
Fashola also announced that the entry forms for the competition would close on June 22.
The Lagos City Basketball League, an annual competition of LSBBA, is to develop grassroots basketball in the state.
Previous competition had attracted teams in the national league -- the DStv Basketball Premier Men's League -- and other teams in the Division One League based in Lagos.
The competition was held last in 2012, which was won by a DStv League team -- Lagos Islanders. They defeated Chariots 73-71 in a thrilling final held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.
The association's Secretary, Bolaji Fashola, said in a statement that the decision to shift the date of the competition was to allow participating teams to honour scheduled engagements which might clash with the City League.
He said new date for the competition would be decided soon and conveyed to the various teams expected to participate.
Fashola also announced that the entry forms for the competition would close on June 22.
The Lagos City Basketball League, an annual competition of LSBBA, is to develop grassroots basketball in the state.
Previous competition had attracted teams in the national league -- the DStv Basketball Premier Men's League -- and other teams in the Division One League based in Lagos.
The competition was held last in 2012, which was won by a DStv League team -- Lagos Islanders. They defeated Chariots 73-71 in a thrilling final held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.
RWANDA : Espoir eye regional GMT title defence
Espioir's
forward Bienvenue Ngandu (C) grabs a rebound during a league game
against CSK last season. CSK beat Espoir to win the local Genocide
memorial tourney. (File photo)
Holders Espoir BC are keen to bounce back
from the nightmare of losing the local edition and retain the regional
Genocide Memorial basketball Tournament due June 12-14 at Amahoro indoor
stadium.
The reigning national league champions, Espoir, were defeated 57-55 by Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) in the final of the local Genocide Memorial Tournament on Sunday, and will be looking to make amends in the regional edition this weekend, according to coach, Jean Bahufite.
The former senior men’s national team assistant coach has challenged his players to show their quality and focus on the competition that they won last year.
“We are over the disappointment of losing the local tournament, and now our focus is on retaining the regional title. We must use the defeat to CSK on Sunday as a wake-up call going into the regional competition, which will be even tougher due to the availability of regional top clubs,” Bahufite said on Wednesday.
He also noted, “We are the title holders, so every team will be targeting us. We need to be strong and take every game very seriously.”
By press time, Democratic Republic of Congo’s PGJ-Goma (men and women) and ASB Mont Carmel (men) had already confirmed to be part of the three-day competitions while representatives from Burundi, Uganda and Kenya were yet to confirm.
Last year, Espoir beat Muzinga of Burundi 85-48 to win the men’s title where as Belco Stars of Burundi beat Uganda’s Magic Stormers to emerge winners of the women’s competition.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw
The reigning national league champions, Espoir, were defeated 57-55 by Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) in the final of the local Genocide Memorial Tournament on Sunday, and will be looking to make amends in the regional edition this weekend, according to coach, Jean Bahufite.
The former senior men’s national team assistant coach has challenged his players to show their quality and focus on the competition that they won last year.
“We are over the disappointment of losing the local tournament, and now our focus is on retaining the regional title. We must use the defeat to CSK on Sunday as a wake-up call going into the regional competition, which will be even tougher due to the availability of regional top clubs,” Bahufite said on Wednesday.
He also noted, “We are the title holders, so every team will be targeting us. We need to be strong and take every game very seriously.”
By press time, Democratic Republic of Congo’s PGJ-Goma (men and women) and ASB Mont Carmel (men) had already confirmed to be part of the three-day competitions while representatives from Burundi, Uganda and Kenya were yet to confirm.
Last year, Espoir beat Muzinga of Burundi 85-48 to win the men’s title where as Belco Stars of Burundi beat Uganda’s Magic Stormers to emerge winners of the women’s competition.
editorial@newtimes.co.rw
LIBERIA : No Basketball League in 2015?
By:
Leroy M. Sonpon, III
May
is strictly set aside for the resumption of all sporting activities by
associations since the outbreak and flush-out of the deadly Ebola Virus
Disease (EVD).
Major associations, including football, athletics, kickball, table tennis and lawn tennis have commenced their activities, except the country’s second popular sport, basketball.
Up to this date, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has suspended basketball activities due the leadership crisis in the association began over the last four months.
Aggrieved stakeholders raised five issues, amongst which include: the violation of the constitution, the failure of holding election on the fourth and ineligibility of clubs which didn’t participate in the immediate past organized basketball season.
A rejoinder by the LBA leadership said because of the outbreak of the Ebola in the country, elections could not be held in 2014; and that some of the contestants seeking positions are not eligible, quoting constitutional requirements.
The misunderstanding compelled Deputy Sports Minister Henry Yonton to refer the case to FIBA-Africa.
Minister Yonton said yesterday in a mobile interview that the Ministry, waiting for FIBA-Africa intervention is considering a re-dialogue between the contesting parties.
“We want to call the two parties to find a way forward, and if there is no compromise then we would wait for whatever months or years it would take for FIBA-Africa to mediate,” Minister Yonton said.
He added: “We hope that for the good of the game, there would be success in our second attempt to amicably solve this leadership crisis.”
Major associations, including football, athletics, kickball, table tennis and lawn tennis have commenced their activities, except the country’s second popular sport, basketball.
Up to this date, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has suspended basketball activities due the leadership crisis in the association began over the last four months.
Aggrieved stakeholders raised five issues, amongst which include: the violation of the constitution, the failure of holding election on the fourth and ineligibility of clubs which didn’t participate in the immediate past organized basketball season.
A rejoinder by the LBA leadership said because of the outbreak of the Ebola in the country, elections could not be held in 2014; and that some of the contestants seeking positions are not eligible, quoting constitutional requirements.
The misunderstanding compelled Deputy Sports Minister Henry Yonton to refer the case to FIBA-Africa.
Minister Yonton said yesterday in a mobile interview that the Ministry, waiting for FIBA-Africa intervention is considering a re-dialogue between the contesting parties.
“We want to call the two parties to find a way forward, and if there is no compromise then we would wait for whatever months or years it would take for FIBA-Africa to mediate,” Minister Yonton said.
He added: “We hope that for the good of the game, there would be success in our second attempt to amicably solve this leadership crisis.”
10 June 2015
NIGERIA: Zenith Bank Basketball
Defending champions, First Bank Basketball Club, Dolphins and AHIP
won their opening games in the second phase of the Zenith Bank Women
Basketball League, which began yesterday at at the sports hall of the
Ilorin Stadium.
The defending champions defeated Oluyole Babes 67-23, Dolphins defeated IGP Queen 63-26, while AHIP beats Immigration 43-17.
The First Bank team (Elephant Girls) dominated the game, while the young Oluyole Babes team tried to contain them. However, the strategy did not work as the Elephant Girls controlled the game to the admiration of the fans.
First Bank girls could have done better if they had taken the chances that came their way, but will hope to consolidate when they take on Sunshine Angels this evening. Some of the First Bank players who were in the D'Tigress team that defeated Cote d'Ivoire to qualify Nigeria for the Afrobasket and All Africa Games, did not play against Oluyole Babes, but would be ready Sunshine.
First Bank's Assistant Coach, Taye Adeniyi, told reporters yesterday that it was good starting with a win and promised that the players would do better today against Sunshine. "I am happy that we won. The players gave a good account of themselves and I am sure they will get better as the competition progresses."
Adeniyi, who stated that the girls are now used to the court and the rim, promised that they would do better against Sunshine Angels in today's game. "We didn't train on the court before our opening game so the game against Oluyole was a little bit difficult. However, the players will do better today now that they understand the court. The fans can be rest assured of fantastic display from the Elephant Girls," he promised.
The defending champions defeated Oluyole Babes 67-23, Dolphins defeated IGP Queen 63-26, while AHIP beats Immigration 43-17.
The First Bank team (Elephant Girls) dominated the game, while the young Oluyole Babes team tried to contain them. However, the strategy did not work as the Elephant Girls controlled the game to the admiration of the fans.
First Bank girls could have done better if they had taken the chances that came their way, but will hope to consolidate when they take on Sunshine Angels this evening. Some of the First Bank players who were in the D'Tigress team that defeated Cote d'Ivoire to qualify Nigeria for the Afrobasket and All Africa Games, did not play against Oluyole Babes, but would be ready Sunshine.
First Bank's Assistant Coach, Taye Adeniyi, told reporters yesterday that it was good starting with a win and promised that the players would do better today against Sunshine. "I am happy that we won. The players gave a good account of themselves and I am sure they will get better as the competition progresses."
Adeniyi, who stated that the girls are now used to the court and the rim, promised that they would do better against Sunshine Angels in today's game. "We didn't train on the court before our opening game so the game against Oluyole was a little bit difficult. However, the players will do better today now that they understand the court. The fans can be rest assured of fantastic display from the Elephant Girls," he promised.
ALL
Stars and Riara University have taken a strong lead in the Nairobi
Basketball Association (NBA) league standing after weekend matches
played at Railways Club. With the race half way through, Allstars, who
had no game, remain unbeaten in the Eastern Conference with 20 points
having played 10 matches.
Riara top Western Conference with 23 points having completed their first leg fixtures with 23 points. They, however succumbed to 58-69 against Kenya Methodist University over the weekend. Zetech University top women’s category with 21 points from 11 matches.
In other matches played Cuea beat Old Pirates 45-34, Strathmore hit Jomo Kenyatta University, Nairobi 53-33, Upper Hill torched Tanzmanian 60-29 and Ulinzi beat Multi Media University 67-45. In the women’s category, USIU beat University of Nairobi 50-41, Mt Kenya, Thika lost 24-66 to Footprints, Parklands Arya Girls beat JKUATS, Juja 34-25, Strathmore lost 44-54 to Daystar while Africa Nazarene succumbed to 52-45 against Safe Spaces.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/all-stars-riara-top-nba-league-standings#sthash.9XpcVu8e.dpuf
Riara top Western Conference with 23 points having completed their first leg fixtures with 23 points. They, however succumbed to 58-69 against Kenya Methodist University over the weekend. Zetech University top women’s category with 21 points from 11 matches.
In other matches played Cuea beat Old Pirates 45-34, Strathmore hit Jomo Kenyatta University, Nairobi 53-33, Upper Hill torched Tanzmanian 60-29 and Ulinzi beat Multi Media University 67-45. In the women’s category, USIU beat University of Nairobi 50-41, Mt Kenya, Thika lost 24-66 to Footprints, Parklands Arya Girls beat JKUATS, Juja 34-25, Strathmore lost 44-54 to Daystar while Africa Nazarene succumbed to 52-45 against Safe Spaces.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/all-stars-riara-top-nba-league-standings#sthash.9XpcVu8e.dpuf
09 June 2015
RWANDA : CSK's Buzangu eyes regional Genocide Memorial tourney
Selected results
Sunday
Finals: Men
CSK 57-55 Espoir
Women
Ubumwe 70-42 APR
Veterans (Men)
CSK 54-94 UGB
After stunning Espoir to win the local version on Sunday, Cercle
Sportif de Kigali (CSK) captain Mike Buzangu has challenged teammates to
win the regional Genocide Memorial Tournament scheduled for June 12-14
at Amahoro stadium.
Playing at their home court in Rugunga, CSK socked the defending champions with a narrow 57-55 win, which was spearheaded by former Rwanda international Buzangu who scored a game high 21 points while Ghislain Bahati contributed 10 points for the hosts.
Espoir’s shooting guard Lionnel Hakizimana and point guard Aristide Mugabe scored 17 and 15 points respectively. Espoir won the first two quarters 17-14, 20-12 before CSK bounced back to claim the third and fourth 19-11 and 12-7 respectively.
In a post-match interview, Buzangu hailed his teammates for a job well done but warned them against complacency ahead of the regional tournament which starts on Friday.
He noted, “We played good basketball to be able to overcome Espoir, we were resilient today. However, the regional tournament is around the corner, we need to get back to the training ground and prepare well. There is no room for complacency.”
His Espoir counterpart, Mugabe admitted the morale was low on his side and noted that home advantage favored the winners but vowed the three-time reigning league champions will come back stronger in the regional competition.
In women’s category, league champions Ubumwe routed APR 70-42 to retain the title while United Generation Basketball (UGB) Club thrashed CSK 95-54 to claim the veteran men’s category trophy.
According to the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA), the regional event will attract teams from Uganda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and hosts Rwanda.
Last year, Espoir defeated Burundi’s Muzinga 85-48 to win the men’s crown while Belco Stars of Burundi beat Uganda’s Magic Stormers to grab the women’s title.
Sunday
Finals: Men
CSK 57-55 Espoir
Women
Ubumwe 70-42 APR
Veterans (Men)
CSK 54-94 UGB
FERWABA president Désiré Mugwiza hands over the trophy to CSK captain Buzangu on Sunday. (Courtesy)
Playing at their home court in Rugunga, CSK socked the defending champions with a narrow 57-55 win, which was spearheaded by former Rwanda international Buzangu who scored a game high 21 points while Ghislain Bahati contributed 10 points for the hosts.
Espoir’s shooting guard Lionnel Hakizimana and point guard Aristide Mugabe scored 17 and 15 points respectively. Espoir won the first two quarters 17-14, 20-12 before CSK bounced back to claim the third and fourth 19-11 and 12-7 respectively.
In a post-match interview, Buzangu hailed his teammates for a job well done but warned them against complacency ahead of the regional tournament which starts on Friday.
He noted, “We played good basketball to be able to overcome Espoir, we were resilient today. However, the regional tournament is around the corner, we need to get back to the training ground and prepare well. There is no room for complacency.”
His Espoir counterpart, Mugabe admitted the morale was low on his side and noted that home advantage favored the winners but vowed the three-time reigning league champions will come back stronger in the regional competition.
In women’s category, league champions Ubumwe routed APR 70-42 to retain the title while United Generation Basketball (UGB) Club thrashed CSK 95-54 to claim the veteran men’s category trophy.
According to the Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA), the regional event will attract teams from Uganda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and hosts Rwanda.
Last year, Espoir defeated Burundi’s Muzinga 85-48 to win the men’s crown while Belco Stars of Burundi beat Uganda’s Magic Stormers to grab the women’s title.
08 June 2015
KENYA : KPA win big, Co-operative Bank lose in Mombasa
KPA's Aerial Okal in a past league game. KPA beat Co-operative Bank last weekend.(Photo:SNA File)
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) scored
their second century win in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF)
women’s league this season after beating Mennonite 117-16 in Mombasa
over the weekend.
Point guard Natalie Akinyi scored 22 points, Irene Munyanya added 18 and Carolyne Mureji scored 12. Rachael Kibwana top scored for Mennonite with 7 points as Tabitha Ouma added 6.
The dockers dominated in the entire game winning 34-5, 40-5, 28-2 and 15-5. With the win, KPA went joint top of the eastern conference with six points from three games.
Strathmore University who have played and won three games, Sprite Storms played four games winning two and losing two as well as Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) with four losses and a win are all on six points.
Winless Mennonite are on five points after five straight losses while Equity Bank with two wins and a loss are also on five.
Masaku Sparks has played only one game and won. In western conference, defending champions United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) leads the log with 10 points from five wins while Ulinzi Blades and Eagles Wings are on 9 points each from five and six games respectively.
Co-operative Bank, Western Delight and Kenyatta University Oryx have six points each from three, five and five games respectively.
Kisumu Lady Bucks are still winless and have five points from five games. In the men’s premier league, Nairobi City Thunder beat Strathmore University 66-58 on Sunday to go two points clear at the top in eastern conference with 12 points from seven games.
Equity Bank, Zetech University and Co-operative Bank are joint second with 10 points from four wins and two losses each.
KPA overcome Co-op
Co-op Bank lost 48-53 to KPA over the weekend in Mombasa with the dockers increasing their tally to 9 points from five games. KPA led 30-22 at halftime as Athiey Lwal top scored with 13 points and Anthony Kitonga added 11 with six rebounds. James Mwangi and Job Byron each scored 10 points for Co-op Bank. Mwangi had nine rebounds, one steal and one assist while Byron grabbed three rebounds.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Strathmore University are on 7 points each from five losses and a win.
Nairobi Aviation College has 6 points and KU Pirates on five. Blades lead western conference with 13 points from seven games, Ulinzi Warriors are second with 11 points from six games while USIU-A have 10 points from six games.
Nakuru Club with equal wins and losses at three each have nine points while Mennonite and Terror have 8 points. Umoja has seven points from five loses and a win.
World Hope and Blazers lead eastern and western conferences of division one with 12 points each. Africa Nazarene University who have played one game more than Blazers at eight are tied on 12 points while Parklands Baptist in western conference is the only winless team after playing five games.
Most teams were out of action and spent the weekend in Kakamega for the Madaraka Day tournament. As such, the inter-conference games which were slated for the weekend was pushed to the second leg which will begin in the mid July.
Point guard Natalie Akinyi scored 22 points, Irene Munyanya added 18 and Carolyne Mureji scored 12. Rachael Kibwana top scored for Mennonite with 7 points as Tabitha Ouma added 6.
The dockers dominated in the entire game winning 34-5, 40-5, 28-2 and 15-5. With the win, KPA went joint top of the eastern conference with six points from three games.
Strathmore University who have played and won three games, Sprite Storms played four games winning two and losing two as well as Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) with four losses and a win are all on six points.
Winless Mennonite are on five points after five straight losses while Equity Bank with two wins and a loss are also on five.
Masaku Sparks has played only one game and won. In western conference, defending champions United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) leads the log with 10 points from five wins while Ulinzi Blades and Eagles Wings are on 9 points each from five and six games respectively.
Co-operative Bank, Western Delight and Kenyatta University Oryx have six points each from three, five and five games respectively.
Kisumu Lady Bucks are still winless and have five points from five games. In the men’s premier league, Nairobi City Thunder beat Strathmore University 66-58 on Sunday to go two points clear at the top in eastern conference with 12 points from seven games.
Equity Bank, Zetech University and Co-operative Bank are joint second with 10 points from four wins and two losses each.
KPA overcome Co-op
Co-op Bank lost 48-53 to KPA over the weekend in Mombasa with the dockers increasing their tally to 9 points from five games. KPA led 30-22 at halftime as Athiey Lwal top scored with 13 points and Anthony Kitonga added 11 with six rebounds. James Mwangi and Job Byron each scored 10 points for Co-op Bank. Mwangi had nine rebounds, one steal and one assist while Byron grabbed three rebounds.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Strathmore University are on 7 points each from five losses and a win.
Nairobi Aviation College has 6 points and KU Pirates on five. Blades lead western conference with 13 points from seven games, Ulinzi Warriors are second with 11 points from six games while USIU-A have 10 points from six games.
Nakuru Club with equal wins and losses at three each have nine points while Mennonite and Terror have 8 points. Umoja has seven points from five loses and a win.
World Hope and Blazers lead eastern and western conferences of division one with 12 points each. Africa Nazarene University who have played one game more than Blazers at eight are tied on 12 points while Parklands Baptist in western conference is the only winless team after playing five games.
Most teams were out of action and spent the weekend in Kakamega for the Madaraka Day tournament. As such, the inter-conference games which were slated for the weekend was pushed to the second leg which will begin in the mid July.
REIGNING
champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) beat Co-operative Bank of Kenya
53-48 in a tight premier league basketball clash at the Makande Welfare
hall in Mombasa.
By bagging the maximum points in this top of the pick tie, the portsmen once again exerted their superiority over the bankers whom they shut out of last year’s play off finals with a 3-0 sweep on their way to their first title in 23 years.
KPA got off to a slow start as they trailed 14-10 in the opening stanza. But spurred on by their home fans, they soon recovered to take a strong 14-8 margin in the second quarter. At the breather they had surged ahead 30-22.
After the intermission, Co-op once again was the better side off the blocks taking a 16-12 advantage in the third quarter but they could not hang for that four point advantage as they went down 11-10 in a close knit deciding frame.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/kpa-beat-co-op-bank-top-kbf-league-tie#sthash.rANhZhDH.dpuf
By bagging the maximum points in this top of the pick tie, the portsmen once again exerted their superiority over the bankers whom they shut out of last year’s play off finals with a 3-0 sweep on their way to their first title in 23 years.
KPA got off to a slow start as they trailed 14-10 in the opening stanza. But spurred on by their home fans, they soon recovered to take a strong 14-8 margin in the second quarter. At the breather they had surged ahead 30-22.
After the intermission, Co-op once again was the better side off the blocks taking a 16-12 advantage in the third quarter but they could not hang for that four point advantage as they went down 11-10 in a close knit deciding frame.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/kpa-beat-co-op-bank-top-kbf-league-tie#sthash.rANhZhDH.dpuf
REIGNING
champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) beat Co-operative Bank of Kenya
53-48 in a tight premier league basketball clash at the Makande Welfare
hall in Mombasa.
By bagging the maximum points in this top of the pick tie, the portsmen once again exerted their superiority over the bankers whom they shut out of last year’s play off finals with a 3-0 sweep on their way to their first title in 23 years.
KPA got off to a slow start as they trailed 14-10 in the opening stanza. But spurred on by their home fans, they soon recovered to take a strong 14-8 margin in the second quarter. At the breather they had surged ahead 30-22.
After the intermission, Co-op once again was the better side off the blocks taking a 16-12 advantage in the third quarter but they could not hang for that four point advantage as they went down 11-10 in a close knit deciding frame.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/kpa-beat-co-op-bank-top-kbf-league-tie#sthash.rANhZhDH.dpuf
By bagging the maximum points in this top of the pick tie, the portsmen once again exerted their superiority over the bankers whom they shut out of last year’s play off finals with a 3-0 sweep on their way to their first title in 23 years.
KPA got off to a slow start as they trailed 14-10 in the opening stanza. But spurred on by their home fans, they soon recovered to take a strong 14-8 margin in the second quarter. At the breather they had surged ahead 30-22.
After the intermission, Co-op once again was the better side off the blocks taking a 16-12 advantage in the third quarter but they could not hang for that four point advantage as they went down 11-10 in a close knit deciding frame.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/kpa-beat-co-op-bank-top-kbf-league-tie#sthash.rANhZhDH.dpuf
04 June 2015
UGANDA : Ndejje blow-out absent Warriors
©Kawowo Sports / AMINAH BABIRYE
Warriors' guard Josh Johnson trying to drive past Ndejje's Chris Kyambadde (L) and Brian Ssentongo
03 June 2015
UGANDA : Regional Inter-cities crown eludes Odeke’s Leopards
KAMPALA.
KCCA Leopards failed to add to their only single
title at the Zone V East and Central Africa Inter Cities championships
falling 77-37 to Nairobi Ladies in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
Coach Timothy Odeke’s Leopards, who travelled with
a strong squad including centre Peace Proscovia, Zone V club MVP Claire
Lamunnu won the title in the same city back in 2008 but were never in
this after going down 21-6 in the first quarter.
The Kenyan team who also won this title last year
also clinched the subsequent quarter 32-14 before consolidating the
third 63-27.
Back home, UCU Lady Canons picked up their seventh
straight victory with 79-44 win over Gladiators in one of two women’s
games on the day at YMCA on Sunday.
In the men’s category, City Oilers picked a
straight forward 85-54 win over debutants Bush Court while Sharing’s
dismal start continued after going down 94-89 to Our Saviour in
overtime.
Sharing who are now 1-7 after a tough opening
fixture list in which they played the top five teams led by as many as
22 points in the second quarter. Sharing led 37-15 before Our Saviour
prevailed with Cyrus Kiviiri and Sunday Okot scoring 24 and 19 points
respectively.
zone 5 inter-cities
WOMEN’S FINAL
Nairobi 77-37 KCCA Leopards
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Sunday results (women)
Gladiators 44-79 UCU Lady Canons
Stormers 53-57 KIU Rangers
Men
Bush Court 54-85 City Oilers
Sharing 89-94 Our Savior
Rhinos 65- 56 Diamonds
PLAYING TODAY AT YMCA
Stanbic Warriors vs. Ndejje 6:30pm
UCU Canons vs. Falcons 8:30pm
WOMEN’S FINAL
Nairobi 77-37 KCCA Leopards
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Sunday results (women)
Gladiators 44-79 UCU Lady Canons
Stormers 53-57 KIU Rangers
Men
Bush Court 54-85 City Oilers
Sharing 89-94 Our Savior
Rhinos 65- 56 Diamonds
PLAYING TODAY AT YMCA
Stanbic Warriors vs. Ndejje 6:30pm
UCU Canons vs. Falcons 8:30pm
RWANDA : Buhake calls for more friendly matches ahead of Afrobasket
Rwanda's captain Arnaud Nkusi tries to go past Ethiopia's Abraham Ojulu on Sunday. (Sam M Niyonziza)
Rwanda will be making their debut at the continental scene in the U-16 category, of a better point aggregate (121-119) over two matches after recovering from Saturday’s 67-52 defeat to win the second match 69-52 on Sunday.
“Thumbs up to my boys for a positive and mature mentality they showed on Sunday, bouncing from Saturday’s 15-point gap was not an easy call. The next move is to look for as many more international friendly matches as possible,” Buhake told this paper.
He further noted that at least four friendly matches against countries not from East African region would boost his youngsters with experience and confidence, citing games against North and West African giants as top priority.
In a separate interview, local basketball governing body’s (Ferwaba) secretary general Richard Mutabazi said the federation is going to make both boys’ and girls’ teams start residential camp for intensive preps early enough and also try to secure friendly matches for the hoops.
The Ferwaba official also disclosed that warm-up matches against countries such as Egypt, Tunisia or Mali would be a huge experience ahead of the Men’s Afrobasket in Mali and Women’s tourney in Madagascar respectively.
Angola (men) and Mali (women) won the 3th edition of the biannual tournaments in 2013 and will come into competitions as defending champions
02 June 2015
RWANDA : Rwanda U-16 team qualify for Afro-basket
Sano Gasana grabs the ball during the second game against Ethiopia on Sunday. (Samuel Niyonziza)
Sano Gasana (Rwanda)
Top Scorer
Baruk Degefa 36 pts (Ethiopia)
Rwanda U-16 boys’ basketball team head coach Albert Buhake has praised the performance of his players after qualifying for next month’s FIBA U16 Afro-basket in Mali.
Rwanda lost the opening game against Ethiopia 67-52 on Saturday but the hosts recovered in the second game on Sunday winning it 69-52 at Amahoro indoor stadium hence qualifying with better aggregate points (121-119).
After losing the first game, Buhake’s side needed to win the second game by a difference of 15 points, which the youngster dully did.
After the game Buhake said that, “Every player gave everything to achieve this, so am happy to win this tournament and qualify. We have done a lot to reach this level, we will continue to prepare the kids for the future; it’s our first time to compete in the FIBA Afro-basket tournament.”
Rwanda dominated the second match, winning the first two quarters 17-8 and 17-12 respectively. Ethiopia proved that winning the first game wasn’t a fluke by taking the third quarter 23-17 but Rwanda recovered and won the fourth quarter with 18-9.
Early on Saturday, Ethiopia shocked the hosts 67-52 after winning the first quarter 18-14, and second quarter 17-14. Rwanda improved in the third quarter winning it 20-18 but Ethiopia fought back and won the fourth quarter 14-4.
Rwanda players celebrate with the trophy. (S. Niyonziza)
Rwanda will be making its debut appearance in the continental annual competition which is in its fourth edition this year. Angola won the last edition in 2013 after beating Egypt 75-66.
The team captain Arnaurd Nkunsi said, “I’m happy with the performance of our team, and I want to congratulate my teammates for the effort each one of us put to make this dream a reality.”
Forward, Sano Gasana, who played a key role in Rwanda’s triumph, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and the best three-point shooters with 15 points off five attempts in two games.
Afterwards he said, “I am happy with the MVP award, but what is most important is that the team has won a title, I am thankful to God who helped us.”
Meanwhile, the Rwandan girls had already qualified for the FIBA Afro-basket U-16 tournament set for July 16-24 in Madagascar.
01 June 2015
TANZANIA : Nairobi Close in On ECA Basketball Title Retention
NAIROBI ladies maintained their winning streak in the ongoing 16th
edition of East and Central Africa Inter-cities basketball championship
after outshining Kampala by 71-55 points at the National Indoor Stadium
in Dar es Salaam on Friday.
In the thrilling encounter, the defending champions had an upper hand and deservedly recorded their second victory in the event, putting themselves in a pole position of retaining their title.
The ladies from Nairobi, who have won 12 out of the last 16 events, remain favourites to carry the day once again, following the win against hosts Dar es Salaam in their opening game of ladies category, which is conduct in round robin basis.
In yesterday's encounter, Nairobi were leading 51-41points against their opponents in the second quarter and took control of the last two quarters to emerge with a 71-55 points win to top the women category standing.
Early in the day at the same venue, Mbeya who are pooled in group A alongside Mogadishu, Dar Stars, Cairo in the men's category, registered their first victory in the event after defeating Mogadishu 71-59. Mbeya started the game with high tempo and took the first quarter by 12-11 points.
Despite facing stiff competition from their opponents, they maintained their pressure and managed to dominate the other quarters by winning 29-22 points, 38-27 points.
Meanwhile, guest side Cairo, who have won all its group stage matches have put themselves in a good position of defending their title after cruising into the semi finals. Cairo will face Dar es Salaam City in the first semifinal clash today at the same venue, while Dar Stars will battle with Qardo from Somalia in the second semifinal at the same venue.
Men's teams are divided into two groups. Pool A comprises Mogadishu, Dar Stars, Cairo and Mbeya, while pool B has Tanga, Dar City and Qardo. Ladies' category comprises only three team - Nairobi, Kampala and hosts Dar es Salaam.
The five-day event sponsored by Azam Media Group which started on Wednesday will wind up on Sunday.
In the thrilling encounter, the defending champions had an upper hand and deservedly recorded their second victory in the event, putting themselves in a pole position of retaining their title.
The ladies from Nairobi, who have won 12 out of the last 16 events, remain favourites to carry the day once again, following the win against hosts Dar es Salaam in their opening game of ladies category, which is conduct in round robin basis.
In yesterday's encounter, Nairobi were leading 51-41points against their opponents in the second quarter and took control of the last two quarters to emerge with a 71-55 points win to top the women category standing.
Early in the day at the same venue, Mbeya who are pooled in group A alongside Mogadishu, Dar Stars, Cairo in the men's category, registered their first victory in the event after defeating Mogadishu 71-59. Mbeya started the game with high tempo and took the first quarter by 12-11 points.
Despite facing stiff competition from their opponents, they maintained their pressure and managed to dominate the other quarters by winning 29-22 points, 38-27 points.
Meanwhile, guest side Cairo, who have won all its group stage matches have put themselves in a good position of defending their title after cruising into the semi finals. Cairo will face Dar es Salaam City in the first semifinal clash today at the same venue, while Dar Stars will battle with Qardo from Somalia in the second semifinal at the same venue.
Men's teams are divided into two groups. Pool A comprises Mogadishu, Dar Stars, Cairo and Mbeya, while pool B has Tanga, Dar City and Qardo. Ladies' category comprises only three team - Nairobi, Kampala and hosts Dar es Salaam.
The five-day event sponsored by Azam Media Group which started on Wednesday will wind up on Sunday.
NIGERIA : Islanders Win, As Dodan Warriors Spank Delta Force
By Alex Monye
Islanders Basketball Club of Lagos was in superb form at the weekend when they beat Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, by Lagos 93 to 60 points.
Islanders opened the DStv Premier Basketball League Week Eight game with a 26 to 08 points first quarter win, but instructions from the Ibadan lads' bench lifted the team, which changed strategy to push the Islanders strength for strength with captain and forward, Mojubaoluwa Oyeleye, initiating leading the team to just a point loss in the second quarter (25-24) to end the half-time on 51 to 32 points.
The Coach Lateef Erinfolami-led Islanders, who are on top of the Atlantic Conference log, won the third quarter 18-15 and the fourth round by 24-13 points for a 33 points differential of 93-60 points.
In other games in the Atlantic Conference, Dodan Warriors of Lagos picked a valuable 73 to 69 points victory over hosts, Delta Force of Asaba, to remain second behind Islanders on the conference log, Customs also recorded a 72 to 69 points win over Kwara Falcons in Ilorin, while Union Bank beat Police Baton by 55 to 53 points at the National Stadium in Lagos.
At the Savannah Conference, Kada Stars, who are gradually moving out of relegation zone, recorded a second consecutive victory over city rival, Nigeria Immigration, by 38 to 36 points.
FCT Rocks lost to Mark Mentors by 56 to 108 points, while Kano Pillars enjoyed an away win over Plateau Peaks in Jos by 47 to 43 points, the lowest score the champions have ever scored in the last three seasons.
Gombe Bulls lived up to their billing with a 97 to 50 points spanking of Bauchi Nets to remain third on the conference standing.
Islanders Basketball Club of Lagos was in superb form at the weekend when they beat Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, by Lagos 93 to 60 points.
Islanders opened the DStv Premier Basketball League Week Eight game with a 26 to 08 points first quarter win, but instructions from the Ibadan lads' bench lifted the team, which changed strategy to push the Islanders strength for strength with captain and forward, Mojubaoluwa Oyeleye, initiating leading the team to just a point loss in the second quarter (25-24) to end the half-time on 51 to 32 points.
The Coach Lateef Erinfolami-led Islanders, who are on top of the Atlantic Conference log, won the third quarter 18-15 and the fourth round by 24-13 points for a 33 points differential of 93-60 points.
In other games in the Atlantic Conference, Dodan Warriors of Lagos picked a valuable 73 to 69 points victory over hosts, Delta Force of Asaba, to remain second behind Islanders on the conference log, Customs also recorded a 72 to 69 points win over Kwara Falcons in Ilorin, while Union Bank beat Police Baton by 55 to 53 points at the National Stadium in Lagos.
At the Savannah Conference, Kada Stars, who are gradually moving out of relegation zone, recorded a second consecutive victory over city rival, Nigeria Immigration, by 38 to 36 points.
FCT Rocks lost to Mark Mentors by 56 to 108 points, while Kano Pillars enjoyed an away win over Plateau Peaks in Jos by 47 to 43 points, the lowest score the champions have ever scored in the last three seasons.
Gombe Bulls lived up to their billing with a 97 to 50 points spanking of Bauchi Nets to remain third on the conference standing.
BOTSWANA : Botswana Unsuccessful in Basketball Tourney
By Jeremiah Sejabosigo
Gaborone — Botswana has finished bottom of the boys and girls pools in the FIBA Africa Zone VI U16 Afrobasket qualifiers.
The five-day event, which was held at the Botswana National Youth Centre (BNYC) multi-purpose hall, came to an end on Saturday (May 30) with the hosts having lost all their matches after some dismal performances.
The girls team was outclassed 68-19 by South Africa in its opening match on Tuesday, while the boys were crushed 120-16 by the same opponent. Zimbabwe, Angola and Mozambique and Zambia also inflicted resounding defeats on Botswana as the gap in standards between the local teams and the rest of Southern Africa was ruthlessly exposed.
The local players were on many occasions undone by their lack of speed when dealing with rebounds and when in transition from defence to attack. Their shooting accuracy was not up to scratch as they fluffed scoring opportunities, even from free balls.
The boys team scored just 79 points in four matches while conceding a tournament high 541 points. That underlined their problems in both attack and defence. The boys coach, Kago Gagobepe blamed lack of adequate preparations for the team's bad performance.
He said the players he used in the competition were inexperienced in basketball yet the coaches were given a period of less than two weeks to prepare them.
"Some players were still new in basketball. We just picked them because of height and we wanted to nurture them so that they could become good basketball players. Unfortunately we did not have enough time for preparation. We only had a week and a half in camp and in that period we had to teach them the fundamentals of basketball," Gagobepe explained.
He argued that the period was too short to adequately improve concentration, pace and stamina of the players.
"Obviously we have now seen that preparations in basketball are very crucial, and speed is also essential. If you don't come prepared enough you would not compete. We should always prepare well in time for competitions of this magnitude," he said.
South Africa qualified for the FIBA U16 Afrobasket finals after winning the boys category.
They finished the tournament with eight points after winning all their matches. Zimbabwe were runners-up with six points, while Zambia and Mozambique finished third and fourth respectively with six points each. Botswana came last with four points.
In the girls category Zimbabwe won all its matches to finish top with eight points and qualify for the finals.
Angola finished second with seven points, South Africa third with six points, while Zambia was fourth with five points. Botswana finished bottom with four points.
BOPA
Gaborone — Botswana has finished bottom of the boys and girls pools in the FIBA Africa Zone VI U16 Afrobasket qualifiers.
The five-day event, which was held at the Botswana National Youth Centre (BNYC) multi-purpose hall, came to an end on Saturday (May 30) with the hosts having lost all their matches after some dismal performances.
The girls team was outclassed 68-19 by South Africa in its opening match on Tuesday, while the boys were crushed 120-16 by the same opponent. Zimbabwe, Angola and Mozambique and Zambia also inflicted resounding defeats on Botswana as the gap in standards between the local teams and the rest of Southern Africa was ruthlessly exposed.
The local players were on many occasions undone by their lack of speed when dealing with rebounds and when in transition from defence to attack. Their shooting accuracy was not up to scratch as they fluffed scoring opportunities, even from free balls.
The boys team scored just 79 points in four matches while conceding a tournament high 541 points. That underlined their problems in both attack and defence. The boys coach, Kago Gagobepe blamed lack of adequate preparations for the team's bad performance.
He said the players he used in the competition were inexperienced in basketball yet the coaches were given a period of less than two weeks to prepare them.
"Some players were still new in basketball. We just picked them because of height and we wanted to nurture them so that they could become good basketball players. Unfortunately we did not have enough time for preparation. We only had a week and a half in camp and in that period we had to teach them the fundamentals of basketball," Gagobepe explained.
He argued that the period was too short to adequately improve concentration, pace and stamina of the players.
"Obviously we have now seen that preparations in basketball are very crucial, and speed is also essential. If you don't come prepared enough you would not compete. We should always prepare well in time for competitions of this magnitude," he said.
South Africa qualified for the FIBA U16 Afrobasket finals after winning the boys category.
They finished the tournament with eight points after winning all their matches. Zimbabwe were runners-up with six points, while Zambia and Mozambique finished third and fourth respectively with six points each. Botswana came last with four points.
In the girls category Zimbabwe won all its matches to finish top with eight points and qualify for the finals.
Angola finished second with seven points, South Africa third with six points, while Zambia was fourth with five points. Botswana finished bottom with four points.
BOPA
GAMBIA : GBA, SPO Partner to Develop Basketball in Gambia
By Arfang MS Camara
The Gambia Basketball Association (GBA) yesterday held a press conference to formally announce a bilateral cooperation with Seed Project Organisation (SBO) to develop basketball in The Gambia.
The SBO was also launched in Dakar, Senegal by Amadou Galafo, who is currently the managing director of its Africa branch. The project was formed with the simple mission to use the power of sports, specifically basketball, to give not only the youth of Senegal but across Africa, the opportunity to achieve education and to become leaders in their respective countries for the next generation.
Speaking at the briefing at the basketball court of the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Noah Levine, the executive director of SBO said the project has been going on in Senegal for three years with his personal involvement. He said amongst the mission of his organisation is to help the youth not only in the sporting aspect but also in the area of education.
He added that since 2002, his organisation have been able to place more than 100 students in 16 different countries around the world into education. He said currently they have over 30 students studying in the United States of America as part of the organisation's aims to develop basketball throughout the world
Levine also expressed delight to be in the country to collaborate in the development of the sport, adding that this partnership will also give the opportunity to use the sport of basketball to not just develop talented players but most importantly help students in school and transfer all the intangibles that they learn in basketball into their lives.
He promised that his organisation will not just sit back to enjoy the infrastructure that the country currently offers in terms of basketball but also to visits schools, see how they can take the game to the schools throughout the country and to help provide the infrastructure that compliments both basketball and education.
"Myself as a former student of a university in the United States of America, am a great example of our basketball, I wouldn't be able to sit here today if it wasn't for the game itself," he said.
"When I quickly realised that I wasn't going to be a professional basketball player, I told myself that to use the game to gain my education and I now work in the sports of basketball that is really the goal of what we do in this project." He added that he will engage the GBA in the next few days to look into establishing a plan on the development of the game in the country.
Papa Njie president of The Gambia Basketball Association expressed delight to be associated with the project while thanking all the stakeholders working tirelessly for the development of the sport in the country.
Justin Jewett a Peace Corps volunteer expressed happiness with the collaboration, adding that this will help to strengthen the different capacities for the development of basketball in the country. He said this will also help to refresh all relationships and built more partnership for the development of the sport in The Gambia.
Seth Williams, also a Peace Corps volunteer promised that as a former basketball referee, he will join hands with both the GBA and SPO to develop the game in the country.
The Gambia Basketball Association (GBA) yesterday held a press conference to formally announce a bilateral cooperation with Seed Project Organisation (SBO) to develop basketball in The Gambia.
The SBO was also launched in Dakar, Senegal by Amadou Galafo, who is currently the managing director of its Africa branch. The project was formed with the simple mission to use the power of sports, specifically basketball, to give not only the youth of Senegal but across Africa, the opportunity to achieve education and to become leaders in their respective countries for the next generation.
Speaking at the briefing at the basketball court of the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Noah Levine, the executive director of SBO said the project has been going on in Senegal for three years with his personal involvement. He said amongst the mission of his organisation is to help the youth not only in the sporting aspect but also in the area of education.
He added that since 2002, his organisation have been able to place more than 100 students in 16 different countries around the world into education. He said currently they have over 30 students studying in the United States of America as part of the organisation's aims to develop basketball throughout the world
Levine also expressed delight to be in the country to collaborate in the development of the sport, adding that this partnership will also give the opportunity to use the sport of basketball to not just develop talented players but most importantly help students in school and transfer all the intangibles that they learn in basketball into their lives.
He promised that his organisation will not just sit back to enjoy the infrastructure that the country currently offers in terms of basketball but also to visits schools, see how they can take the game to the schools throughout the country and to help provide the infrastructure that compliments both basketball and education.
"Myself as a former student of a university in the United States of America, am a great example of our basketball, I wouldn't be able to sit here today if it wasn't for the game itself," he said.
"When I quickly realised that I wasn't going to be a professional basketball player, I told myself that to use the game to gain my education and I now work in the sports of basketball that is really the goal of what we do in this project." He added that he will engage the GBA in the next few days to look into establishing a plan on the development of the game in the country.
Papa Njie president of The Gambia Basketball Association expressed delight to be associated with the project while thanking all the stakeholders working tirelessly for the development of the sport in the country.
Justin Jewett a Peace Corps volunteer expressed happiness with the collaboration, adding that this will help to strengthen the different capacities for the development of basketball in the country. He said this will also help to refresh all relationships and built more partnership for the development of the sport in The Gambia.
Seth Williams, also a Peace Corps volunteer promised that as a former basketball referee, he will join hands with both the GBA and SPO to develop the game in the country.
KENYA : KU Pirates end winless run
Maina Loungu of Mennonites is watched keenly by the referee and his opponent Victor Odendo of Ulinzi. The soldiers won 108-60. (Photo by Shutterspeed)
Kenyatta University Pirates ended
their three games winless run in the Kenya Basketball Federation league
on Sunday by beating high-flying Nairobi City Thunder 70-69 at the Nyayo
National Stadium Gymnasium.
Pirates had been relegated to division one at the close of last season. However, they were re-admitted to the top-tier league after the new season had begun. They lost their first three games to Co-operative Bank, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Zetech University.
The match on Sunday could be likened to the biblical pairing of David and Goliath. But, in the end, Pirates prevailed over Thunder who had already registered shock wins over Co-operative Bank and KPA in the eastern conference.
It appeared Thunder underestimated their opponents. Their body language before the match said as much. Griffin Ligare, their star player made his way to the gymnasium midwayin the second quarter after his colleagues had won first quarter 18-12.
The students fought back in the second quarter to win 19-9 and take a 31-27 halftime lead. A 24-22 win for Pirates in third quarter meant they went to the final quarter with a six points lead.
The fourth quarter was highly competitive with the margin playing around five points, Pirates leading all the time. With 38 seconds of play remaining and Pirates enjoying a 68-65 lead, Ligare scored a 3-point jumper to tie the game 68-all and bring Thunder back into contention.
Ligare then turned from hero to villain when he fouled Pirates' captain Renson Moibi with 25 seconds. Moibi stepped up to the free-throw line for two shots but made one to give Pirates a 69-68 lead.
Deep trouble
Play resumed and Thunder were in deep trouble again after Sadat Gaya fouled Moibi with only five seconds to play. He scored one shot to make it a 2-point game at 70-68. With one second to play, the tide turned against Pirates as Jackton Agunda fouled Ligare.
When he stepped to the line, Ligare needed to sink the two shots and push the game to overtime but missed both. From the ensuing contest after the second missed shot, Pirates woes deepened after Lendil Lwane fouled Charles Kituyi resulting in two free shots and another opportunity for Thunder to force overtime play.
However, Pirates began celebrating early as Kituyi missed the first shot but made the second to settle the game.
An elated Pirates head coach Gitau Waringo was satisfied with the outcome. “They underrated us today and the worst thing to do in basketball is undermine a team that is coming from a loss. They will fight to prove a point and that is what we did,” he told sportsnewsarena.com.
“I told my boys, this is the game to prove their worth in the league and they heeded that. This is a turning point for us and we don't care about the games we have lost or our next opponent,” the coach added.
Lwane top scored for Pirates with 23 points, nine coming off the 3-point line while Moibi added 16. For Thunder, Kituyi scored 16, Philip Dinga had 15, Lameck Mamwini added 13 with three 3-pointers while Ligare scored 12. Both teams scored 15 points from the arc while Pirates made 13 free shots and Thunder had 8.
On Saturday, Pirates had lost 52-68 to Zetech University at the same venue.
Ulinzi century
Ulinzi Warriors scored a century by beating Mennonites 108-60. William Ochieng and Ronald Kipruto top scored for Ulinzi with 15 points each. Ochieng grabbed two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot while Kipruto grabbed one rebound.
Eric Makokha and Felix Odhiambo scored 13 points each for Mennonites with Odhiambo grabbing four rebounds and one blocked shot. Makokha had three rebounds and one assist. Ulinzi won first two quarters 33-13 and 32-16 while Mennonite had the third 24-15.
The soldiers wrapped up the game with a 28-7 win in fourth quarter. From the 3-point line, Ulinzi scored 39 points against 21 for Mennonites. The soldiers attempted 23 times from the free-throw line scoring 11 while Mennonites made 13 free shots from 30 attempts.
In another game, Blades from Strathmore University scored 65-44 against Umoja. Joseph Ongoro had 14 points for Blades while Gilbert Obiero top scored for Umoja with 12. Blades won all quarters 17-5, 19-15, 13-11 and 16-13.
In Nakuru, United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) beat hosts Nakuru Club 51-49.
Weekend Results
Saturday: Ulinzi Warriors 108 Mennonites 60, Don Bosco 64 Lakeside 61, ANU 65 Eldonets 56, EYMBA 50 Little Prince 40, KU Pirates 52 Zetech University 68, Nakuru Club 49 USIU-A 51; Sunday: Umoja 44 Blades 65, Thunder 69 KU Pirates 70, Upper Hill 56 JKUAT 46, ANU 53 Lakeside 54, Blazers 51 Eldonets 62.
Pirates had been relegated to division one at the close of last season. However, they were re-admitted to the top-tier league after the new season had begun. They lost their first three games to Co-operative Bank, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Zetech University.
The match on Sunday could be likened to the biblical pairing of David and Goliath. But, in the end, Pirates prevailed over Thunder who had already registered shock wins over Co-operative Bank and KPA in the eastern conference.
It appeared Thunder underestimated their opponents. Their body language before the match said as much. Griffin Ligare, their star player made his way to the gymnasium midwayin the second quarter after his colleagues had won first quarter 18-12.
The students fought back in the second quarter to win 19-9 and take a 31-27 halftime lead. A 24-22 win for Pirates in third quarter meant they went to the final quarter with a six points lead.
The fourth quarter was highly competitive with the margin playing around five points, Pirates leading all the time. With 38 seconds of play remaining and Pirates enjoying a 68-65 lead, Ligare scored a 3-point jumper to tie the game 68-all and bring Thunder back into contention.
Ligare then turned from hero to villain when he fouled Pirates' captain Renson Moibi with 25 seconds. Moibi stepped up to the free-throw line for two shots but made one to give Pirates a 69-68 lead.
Deep trouble
Play resumed and Thunder were in deep trouble again after Sadat Gaya fouled Moibi with only five seconds to play. He scored one shot to make it a 2-point game at 70-68. With one second to play, the tide turned against Pirates as Jackton Agunda fouled Ligare.
When he stepped to the line, Ligare needed to sink the two shots and push the game to overtime but missed both. From the ensuing contest after the second missed shot, Pirates woes deepened after Lendil Lwane fouled Charles Kituyi resulting in two free shots and another opportunity for Thunder to force overtime play.
However, Pirates began celebrating early as Kituyi missed the first shot but made the second to settle the game.
An elated Pirates head coach Gitau Waringo was satisfied with the outcome. “They underrated us today and the worst thing to do in basketball is undermine a team that is coming from a loss. They will fight to prove a point and that is what we did,” he told sportsnewsarena.com.
“I told my boys, this is the game to prove their worth in the league and they heeded that. This is a turning point for us and we don't care about the games we have lost or our next opponent,” the coach added.
Lwane top scored for Pirates with 23 points, nine coming off the 3-point line while Moibi added 16. For Thunder, Kituyi scored 16, Philip Dinga had 15, Lameck Mamwini added 13 with three 3-pointers while Ligare scored 12. Both teams scored 15 points from the arc while Pirates made 13 free shots and Thunder had 8.
On Saturday, Pirates had lost 52-68 to Zetech University at the same venue.
Ulinzi century
Ulinzi Warriors scored a century by beating Mennonites 108-60. William Ochieng and Ronald Kipruto top scored for Ulinzi with 15 points each. Ochieng grabbed two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot while Kipruto grabbed one rebound.
Eric Makokha and Felix Odhiambo scored 13 points each for Mennonites with Odhiambo grabbing four rebounds and one blocked shot. Makokha had three rebounds and one assist. Ulinzi won first two quarters 33-13 and 32-16 while Mennonite had the third 24-15.
The soldiers wrapped up the game with a 28-7 win in fourth quarter. From the 3-point line, Ulinzi scored 39 points against 21 for Mennonites. The soldiers attempted 23 times from the free-throw line scoring 11 while Mennonites made 13 free shots from 30 attempts.
In another game, Blades from Strathmore University scored 65-44 against Umoja. Joseph Ongoro had 14 points for Blades while Gilbert Obiero top scored for Umoja with 12. Blades won all quarters 17-5, 19-15, 13-11 and 16-13.
In Nakuru, United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) beat hosts Nakuru Club 51-49.
Weekend Results
Saturday: Ulinzi Warriors 108 Mennonites 60, Don Bosco 64 Lakeside 61, ANU 65 Eldonets 56, EYMBA 50 Little Prince 40, KU Pirates 52 Zetech University 68, Nakuru Club 49 USIU-A 51; Sunday: Umoja 44 Blades 65, Thunder 69 KU Pirates 70, Upper Hill 56 JKUAT 46, ANU 53 Lakeside 54, Blazers 51 Eldonets 62.
RWANDA : Rwanda U-16s eager to win Zone V championships
Rwanda
U-16 boys’ team are taken through their paces this week at Amahoro
indoor stadium. Rwanda face Ethiopia today and tomorrow. (S.
Ngendahimana)
Rwanda vs Ethiopia 4pm
Sunday
Rwanda vs Ethiopia 4pm
Rwanda U-16 will be looking for nothing less than a win when they face off against Ethiopia twice this weekend in the FIBA Zone V Championships at Amahoro indoor stadium.
Only two teams are competing in this year’s tournament which also serves as qualifier for the FIBA Afro-basket U-16 qualifiers which will be staged in Mali in July.
After Eritrea pulled out at the last minute, Ethiopia stepped in to compete with Rwanda. Initially, all Zone V member countries, but Eritrea, opted out of playing in the competition citing a lack of U-16 category teams.
Rwanda head coach Albert Buhake said that the team is ready to win the two games against Ethiopia and qualify for the FIBA Afro-basket.
“Our aim is to win these two games, we have prepared well, and the boys are raring to go and I am confident we will qualify,” Buhake told Saturday Sport yesterday.
The Rwandan girls’ team have already qualified for the FIBA Afro-basket U-16 girls’ tournament set for July 16-24 in Madagascar.
Rwanda qualified after, like in the boys’ category, all the other nine member countries said they would not take part in the tournament because they do not have U-16 teams.
