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KPA Beat Equity To Force Game Four

 

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) men’s team ducked elimination by defeating Equity Bank Dumas 81-66 in a closely contested Game Three at Makande Social Hall in Mombasa on this evening.

KPA’s chances of advancing to this year’s finals hung in the balance after their poor start to the series handed Equity a 2-0 advantage, but their grit proved vital on Saturday as they overpowered the bankers as they halved the deficit to force a Game Four on Sunday.

Equity Bank showed their intent to end the series with a strong start in the first quarter that culminated with a four-point lead thanks to a 20-16 advantage but the hosts, KPA, bounced back in the second quarter dominating 22-8 to establish a 38-28 lead into the break.

The teams tied 19-19 in the penultimate quarter before KPA closed out the tie with a 24-19 lead in the last quarter.

While assessing their performance in their first two games last Sunday, KPA tactician Sammy Kiki singled out their poor defense and poor shooting as their main undoing.

However, the Dockers’ display in Game Three implied to a team that had done their homework as they defended well to thwart Equity’s attacking Duo of Victor Ochieng and Davis Siaji.

Morans swingman Victor Odendo and Ken Wachira scored 16 each for KPA while Titus Musembi and Lenson Kisa combined for 28 points for Equity. 

Kiki lauded his charges at the final buzzer but urged them to maintain their focus on a crucial game four that will tip-off at 4 pm on Sunday.

“Am happy because we have shown a glimpse of what we can do on a good day. There is no time to relax because we have game three in less than 24 hours from now.

“I urge my players to have a good rest so that we can replicate our performances today.”

Equity Bank overall coach David Maina rued their slump in the second quarter for their loss but promised a better show in game four.

“Our performances dipped in the second quarter but we managed to bounce back after that which is a good indicator of our resilience.

“We are going to work on our focus so that it is balanced throughout the game.”

The winner in this series will be either defending champions Ulinzi Warriors or Strathmore Storms.

Earlier, their Ladies counterparts advanced to the finals after completing a 3-0 sweep over Storms after a commanding 83-41 win in Game Three at the same venue.

Vilma Achieng and Lionesses point guard Natalie Achieng combined for 30 points while Deedee Were scored a game-high of 14 points for Storms.     BY CITIZEN DIGITAL   

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