This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
On Saturday, Equity Hawks faced off against KPA in an intense match at Nyayo Gymnasium, ultimately emerging victorious with a score of 79-70.
The match was a closely contested one, with the reigning champions, Equity Hawks, being held to a 65-65 draw in the normal time. However, it was Annrose Mandela's six crucial points in the extra period that sealed the win for the Hawks, who outscored KPA 14-5 in the extra time.
The match began with the Hawks taking an early lead, sprinting to a 7-point advantage in the first quarter. This was followed by a 19-14 sweep in the second quarter, courtesy of Betty Kananu's seven points. However, the Dockers found their footing in the third quarter, with Selina Okumu leading the charge and slotting 10 points to bring the score to 19-20 in favor of KPA.
With only 38 seconds left on the clock, the Mombasa-based side was leading 63-64. However, Equity's Sandra Msomba slotted in a free throw 13 seconds later, sending the game into extra time. It was in this extra time that the Hawks slotted home the win, courtesy of two three-pointers from Betty Kananu and Selina Okumu.
Speaking after the match, Hawks tactician David Maina expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, saying, 'It was quite a tough match but all in all my girls gave quite a good show, and at the end of the day we won and that is what we need.'
Meanwhile, in another match, Linet Otieno led the Storms to a 54-37 rout of Strathmore at the same venue. The Storms dominated the first three periods, winning the first quarter 18-15 and the second and third quarters with 11-6 and 13-2 wins, respectively. Although the Swords found its spark in the fourth quarter, winning 12-14, it was too little too late, as Neema Achieng's game-high 21 points were not enough to turn the tide of the match.
