Champs Thunder silence KPA as Phoenix hit Eldonets in KBF ties

National Bank of Kenya Phoenix on Sunday beat Eldonets Platinum 60-51 in a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Men’s Premier League match played at Nyayo Gymnasium.

Knowing too well that a victory would enhance their chances of maintaining their Premier League spot, Phoenix who are among the bottom four sides fighting relegation fought tooth and nail against Platinum. A great start won the match for the bankers who won the first two quarters 12-8 and 16-7 to take a 13-point halftime advantage.

Platinum who had secured a narrow 49-48 win against African Nazarene University (ANU) Wolfpacks on Saturday fought to salvage the game in the third and fourth quarters but the damage had already been done as the bankers defended their lead to the buzzer. Platinum were the better side in the second half scoring 36 points against Phoenix’s 32.

Men’s defending champions Nairobi City Thunder proved that the tides have changed and they are indeed the kings of Kenyan basketball with a resounding 96-77 victory against former holders KPA at Makande Hall, Mombasa.

The victory saw Thunder maintain their good run and stretch their winning streak that is now in its second season. The city boys won their maiden title last season on an unbeaten run and are looking to achieve the same feat even as they seek to extend their reign to two years in a row.

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KPA’s Morel Spencer was without doubt the star of the match sinking a towering 30 points though he couldn’t save his side from falling to Thunder for a second time this season. Thunder’s Derrick Ogechi continued with his impressive show scoring 22 points while captain Tylor Ongwae led from the from with 24.

Buoyed by home support, the dockers settled in the match first to take the first quarter 27-23. They remained in control of the game taking the second quarter 22-17 for a 49-40 halftime lead. However, they fizzled out in the second quarter allowing their guests to own the stage.

Thunder capitalised on their waning strength scoring at will to win the third quarter 31-13 and take a nine points advantage with the score at 71- 62 going into the fourth period. Coach Brad Ibs’ charges were unstoppable in the final quarter scoring 25 points against KPA’s 15 to carry the day.

In other matches, Strathmore University Gladiators edged out United States International University of Africa USIU-A Tigers 71-70 to revive their hopes of remaining in the top tier. Both Blades and Tigers are currently fighting relegation.

University of Nairobi Terror who also risk dropping to Division One were not spared either as they fell 62-87 to Equity Bank Dumas.

In the Women’s Premier League, ANU Panthers bounced back from their shock defeat to Safe Spaces to beat UoN Dynamites 50-45.