This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
Thunder, playing in their first-ever final, overcame a slow start to take the third and fourth quarters for a 1-0 lead in the five-game series against Ulinzi Warriors in the Kenya Basketball Federation men's Premier League final play-offs.
Kevin Chogo anchored Thunder to victory with 22 points, while Griffin Ligare and Faheem Juma added 14 and 15 points respectively. Ulinzi's Eric Mutoro was the top scorer with 32 points, but his effort counted for nothing as his teammates failed to support him.
Ulinzi coach William Balozi said that today's clash is a must-win for them because allowing Thunder a two-game advantage will give them an upper hand. He added that even though they managed to come from two games down last season, it will be very difficult to repeat the same result.
Thunder's victory was sealed in the final quarter, with Juma, Shem Otieno, and Benjamin Muga scoring 20 points against Ulinzi's 16. The win sets up a crucial Game Two for Ulinzi, who will be looking to bounce back and restore parity.
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