This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
On July 7, 2019, Umoja Basketball team revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) men's premier league after a 67-55 win over Eldonets at Nyayo Gymnasium.
Umoja's Nick Ogol anchored the team to victory with 22 points, while Eldonets' Neville Otieno scored 19 points in vain.
Umoja's win, their fifth of the season, moved them to seventh place with 18 points. To remain in the top eight and secure a play-offs slot, they must maintain a winning streak.
Visiting Eldonets took an early lead in the first quarter, but Umoja came back stronger in the second quarter to take a 36-32 lead at half-time.
Umoja dominated the third and fourth quarters, scoring 31 points against Eldonets' 23, and collecting the crucial two points.
Meanwhile, in the women's title chase, Kenyatta University (KU) Oryx held their nerve to beat last season's semi-finalists Storms 48-47.
Storms' slow start proved costly, as they found themselves 11 points behind the students at half-time.
Despite a strong comeback in the second half, Storms' efforts were not enough to avoid their sixth loss of the season.
Sharon Odera top-scored for KU Oryx with 15 points, while Christine Mwangi and Teresa Elise added 11 and 10 points each. Linet Atieno scored 14 points for Storms.
Storms struggled from the onset, allowing KU to take a 13-5 lead at the break of the first quarter.
They improved in the second period, scoring nine points, but the students held a comfortable 25-14 lead at the breather.
Storms were more rejuvenated in the third quarter, taking 21-10, and leveling the score to 35 points. However, one point in the final quarter made the difference between the two sides, as the students sealed their sixth win of the season.
Elsewhere, in the men's Division One challenge, University of Nairobi (UON) Terror overpowered Lions 62-57 to close in on a last eight slot.
Terror rallied from behind after Lions took the first and second quarters 16-13 and 14-11, dominating the second half and securing the victory.
The UON students won the match in the final quarter, scoring an impressive 21 points against Lions' 13.
