2019 in Review: Ulinzi topple KPA but Kenyan clubs flop abroad- December 30, 2019
POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Follow us on
Erick Mutoro
The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) enjoyed a dramatic year full of interesting twists and while the domestic premier leagues were a success, local teams flopped regionally in the Africa Zone Five. Perhaps one of the standout events of the season was the fall of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who saw their three-year grip of the men's Premier League title brought to an end by arch-rivals Ulinzi Warriors. After KPA had been knocked out in the semi-final by Ulinzi, it left the challengers as the overwhelming favourites to clinch the crown and despite going 1-0 down against Thunder in Game One, they recovered to win 3-1. It marked Ulinzi's ninth KBF title and secured them a ticket to represent Kenya in the second edition of the Basketball of Africa League (BAL) next year. Ulinzi sailed into the playoff final after defeating the then defending champions KPA 77-70 in Game four of the semi final playoffs at the Nyayo Gymnasium. The Soldiers had won game one and two 82-69 and 85-74 respectively and lost game two 92-69 to the Dockers. Thunder qualified for finals for the first time under head coach Sadat Gaya in five years after striking down EMYBA. It was also the first time Thunder was playing in the final since 2000 when they bagged the crown. Against EMYBA in the semis, Thunder won Game Two, Three and Four 80-71, 77-68 and 74-72 respectively and lost 83-80 in Game One. At the end of the league, Ulinzi's Point and shooting guard Victor Bosire (G-88) bagged the Kenya Basketball League Men Most Valuable Player award after his starring role helped the Warriors bag the 2019 league title while fellow teammate Erick Mutoro (180-PG-92) bagged the top scorer player award. In regular league, Ulinzi almost finished the league unbeaten but the only loss came in the hands of Thunder. Ulinzi topped the regular with 43 points, two points ahead of Thunder while Equity Bank finished third with 39 points as KPA finished fourth with 38 points. |
Men
Women
Subscribe
Login
