This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
On September 17, 2019, Ulinzi Warriors were on course to clinch top spot in the regular season of the men's basketball Premier League after picking maximum four points at the weekend.
Ulinzi Warriors, seeking to recapture the title they last won in 2015, started the weekend with a hard-fought 88-78 victory over Equity Bank at Nyayo Gymnasium on Saturday before defeating World Hope 56-51 on Sunday.
Equity Bank, who were beaten hands down by Ulinzi Warriors in the first leg, came breathing fire in the return leg, stretching the soldiers into extra-time. Both teams were locked 72-72 in regulation time, despite Ulinzi Warriors leading 43-39 at half-time. Ulinzi Warriors then outscored Equity Bank 16-6 in extra-time to emerge victorious.
Ulinzi Warriors shooting guard Eric Mutoro scored 22 points, forward John Washika 23, and guard Victor Bosire contributed 15. The two wins saw Ulinzi Warriors dislodge Thunder from the summit of the league standings with 39 points from 19 wins and one loss.
Ulinzi Warriors coach William Balozi said, "We lost to Thunder in the first leg but winning the second leg will leave them with three losses, thus giving us an advantage. Our match against Equity Bank was the toughest this season, and winning without forward James Mwangi was a plus."
