This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
On Saturday, September 21, 2019, Lakeside Basketball team revived their hopes of qualifying for the Kenya Basketball Federation Premier League play-offs with a thrilling 70-66 win over World Hope at Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium.
The match saw Lakeside's forwards Collins Wataka, Dennis Wekesa, and Justus Okitoyi lead the team to a strong start, with a 22-19 run at the end of the first quarter. World Hope, however, reorganized their offense and outscored Lakeside 17-15 at the end of the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 37-36 at halftime.
World Hope's forward Erick Kayiere gave them a short-lived 45-44 lead in the third quarter, but Lakeside coach John Ogilo effectively used his time-out to change the tide. Wekesa, Trevor Gari, and Wataka inspired Lakeside with big shots in the fourth quarter, racing to a 58-47 lead that World Hope could not recover from.
"Watch our steps for the play-offs. We are determined to win the remaining three matches against Umoja, Eldonets, and USIU-A Tigers at our backyard to be assured of finishing in top eight teams," Ogilo said.
Meanwhile, in the women's Premier League, USIU-A Flames shone bright, beating Tangit Sparks 72-67. Jemima Night scored game-high 23 points, Linnsey Wanyonyi hit 17, and Frida Yagomba added 18. Flames had a bright start, leading 17-14 in the first quarter and continued to put pressure on their opponents before both teams locked the scores 32-32 at halftime.
Flames outscored Sparks 21-14 in the third quarter, but Sparks took home the fourth quarter 21-19. USIU-A coach Cliff Owuor said, "We are left with 10 matches and we just need to win three to survive relegation."
Coach Ben Oluoch of Tangit Sparks had only nine players, who failed to utilize the referee's decision to eject two of USIU-A players, Frida Yagomba and Lisa Mayienga, on five fouls at the critical moment of the showdown.
Finally, in the women's Division One League, Riara University defeated visiting Kenya Ports Authority Youth 66-61, with Diana Wafula sinking 16 points, Ashley Minayo scoring 15, and Susy Teresia adding 11.
Match results: Men's Premier League: Lakeside 70-66 World Hope. Women's Premier League: USIU-A Flames 72-67 Tangit Sparks. Women's Division One: Riara University 66-61 KPA Youth.
