This archive report was first published on 24 November 2019.
On a thrilling Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium, Kenya Ports Authority's women's basketball team took a significant step towards the National Classic Basketball League final, securing a 2-0 lead against Storms in their semi-final playoff match.
Meanwhile, Kenyatta University Pirates and University of Nairobi Terrorists made a triumphant return to top-flight basketball, each securing 3-1 wins over their opponents at the same venue.
Against Storms, KPA dominated the first game, with Hilda Indasi scoring an impressive 16 points, while Vilma Awino contributed 14. Joy Airelia led Storms with 15 points.
Indasi continued her impressive form in the second game, posting a game-high 20 points, while Awino added 15. The dockers ultimately dismissed Storms 81-61, leaving their opponents with a daunting task to overcome in the final series.
Storms' Linet Atieno top-scored with 24 points, while Pamela Sinda added 15 in a game that saw them struggle to recover from a 24-9 second-quarter deficit.
"It's not over until it's over," said KPA coach Mike Opel, acknowledging the importance of the remaining games. "However, I'm happy with our 2-0 advantage going into the final series."
Storms' coach Abel Nson attributed their loss to a lack of concentration on defense.
Elsewhere, Kenyatta University Pirates and University of Nairobi Terrorists celebrated their return to the National Classic Basketball League with victories over African Nazarene University and Zetech University Titan, respectively.
The Pirates narrowly beat African Nazarene 75-73, while the Terrorists dominated Zetech University 63-49.
