This archive report was first published on 24 November 2019.
On Saturday, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) sealed their semifinal spot in the Kenya Basketball League after crushing Strathmore's Blades 88-56 in Game Two of the quarterfinal playoffs.
The win marked the second time KPA defeated Blades, following their 86-73 victory in Game One last weekend at the Makande Gymnasium.
With this win, KPA will face Ulinzi in the semifinals, who topped the regular league with 43 points. Ulinzi had earlier edged out Lakeside of Kisumu in their quarterfinal encounter.
Blades' head coach Tony Ochieng praised his players for their efforts, citing injuries to five players and exam preparations as reasons for their loss.
Strathmore's captain George Okoth acknowledged that his team played better but ultimately fell short, expressing hope for improvement in the next season.
According to KPA head coach Sammy Kiki, the team executed their game plan well and is looking forward to the semifinals, anticipating a tough match against Ulinzi.
Assistant head coach Samuel Ocholla echoed Kiki's sentiments, expressing confidence in the team's ability to win against Ulinzi in the semifinals.
The semifinals are scheduled to take place next weekend in Mombasa, with KPA facing Ulinzi in Game One and Two, while Thunder will meet Equity Bank.
