NAIROBI (Premier League) – National champions Ulinzi Warriors nailed rivals Co-operative Bank of Kenya 79-73 in Play Off finals Game One at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium. This match, the first of the three Game seris, lived upto its billig fro start to finish after Co-op’s David kamau missed with an opene jumper and Ulinzi’s Ancette Wafula hit the opening basket.
From that point i time, both teams traded baskets to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd that were not there to cheer a particular team but only great moves. There five lead changes and five ties the last one at 72-72 on back to back three pointers by Tom Opar. Ulizi led 38-37 at the break.Wafula’s free shots and a dunk saw Ulinzi saidl away 79-72 to seal the bankers fate.
Wafula hit 26 points, Victor Odendo shot 13 and Opar 12 for the sloders. Co-op had 16 from Peter Kiganya, 14 from Cliff Ochieng and 11 from Furaha Odari. “It does not matter who won and who this game.It was a balanced and entertaining tie from start to finish.” observed national team head coach Ronny Owino who watched the match from the hospital bed.
In Mombasa, reigning women champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) had to comefrom behind to beat Telkom 71-59 in a match played at the Makande Welfare Gymnasium. Telkom trailed 33-35 coming from down to cause panick in the porters back yard. The Nairobi siode are now looking forward to take the series in the last two fixturs they will be hosting.
Gladys Wanyama posted 27 points, Mirriam Awuor 16 and Ethel Wakesho 10 .For Telkom, Joyce Makungu nailed 24 points while Pamella Asige shot 10.
In Kisumu, the irrepresible Lakeside hit Java Warriors 67-61. Both team will be playing at the top next year,Strathmore University won 77-53 against Mennonites.
Dann OWERE
FIBA Correspondent in Kenya