Blades back in the hunt for playoff slot, says coach Ochieng'

Strathmore University Blades are back in the hunt for a playoff slot after three consecutive Kenya National Basketball League wins, coach, Tony Ochieng ', has said. The varsity lads deflated Absa 63-55 at Nyayo gymnasium on Sunday for their sixth win in 13 games. “We are now on course for a playoff spot after (recovering from) a poor first leg, where we lost seven games,” said Ochieng’. “We have won three games — last first-leg match and two second-leg fixtures.” “Our next three games will determine how we finish the season.” Blades took a close 11-10 advantage in the first quarter but were pegged down in an 18-18 stalemate in the second. A strong showing in the third quarter saw Strathmore cut Absa to size in a 21-17 advantage before hitting 14-10 in the fourth. “I didn’t like how we exchanged baskets in the first half but our response in the third was huge as it determined the outcome,” said Ochieng’. “We are in good shape but still need to work on our defence.” Ken Dwallo led the Blades’ onslaught with 16 points. Jeff Onyango replied with 15. Storms recovered from defeat by United States International University USIU Flames to beat Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 63-61. They were locked 17-17 in the first quarter before the Panthers took a 15-12 edge in the second. Another stalemate, 16-16, in the third quarter before the winners raced to an 18-13 cushion in the last to bag maximum points. Babra Diana (Storms) and Mercy Muno (ANU) impressed with 22 points each.
In the Lower Division games, high-riding Randhi Ndalu’s Stanbic Shield shut out Zetech University Titans 88-84 in a high-scoring match-up. The bankers had a 36-32 halftime lead. National Bank of Kenya Phoenix out-smarted Moi Air Base 56-50.
Courtesy of: the-star.co.ke