This archive report was first published on 15 December 2019.
On Sunday, December 15, 2019, the Kenya Ports Authority women's basketball team made a strong comeback in the MadGoat National Classic basketball league play-offs final against Equity Bank.
At KPA Makande hall in Mombasa, the dockers showed intent from the tip-off, leading their opponents 12-5 with Brenda Angeshi, Natalie Akinyi, and Hilda Indasi combining well.
However, the bankers regrouped during the first quarter break and returned more aggressive, with Hilda Ndegwa, Linda Alando, and Samba Mjomba punishing the Dockers with all manner of shots to win the second quarter 18-12.
Despite this, KPA narrowly held on to the slim advantage point to lead 24-23 at the break.
The second half was evenly contested, with Equity winning the third quarter 18-6 while KPA dominated the fourth 16-9 for the comfortable win.
For KPA, Vilma Awino made amends with a game-high 15 points, while Hilda Indasi, Becky Nkatha, and Brenda Angeshi added 12, 8, and 6 points respectively.
On the other hand, Samba Mjomba was Equity Bank's top scorer with 10 points, while Belinda Okoth had 7.
"I'm happy we tied the series after a terrible Game One where majority of my players were off colour. I want to plan for Game Three which we must win to stay in the driving seat," said KPA head coach Mike Opel.
Equity Bank coach David Maina said they would have a different approach for Game Three in Nairobi.
"My target was at least to win one game in Mombasa which I successfully did and must now plan for the remaining matches at home," said Maina.
Game Three will be played at Nyayo Gymnasium, Nairobi on Wednesday, with Game Four and Five scheduled for Thursday and Friday respectively.
