KNBL: Maina Pats Tigers Despite Quarters Playoff Defeat

USIU Tigers head coach David Maina has patted his charges despite failing to qualify for the semi-final playoffs of the Kenya National Basketball Men’s Premier League. The students, who were newbies in the league, showed class as they went against all odds to finish third in the regular season with 37 points, seven behind league leaders Nairobi City Thunder and two behind defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who finished second. The Tigers lost 2-0 to fellow varsity side Strathmore Blades in the quarter-final playoffs in the three-game series. They lost Game One 82-51, before losing 77-55 in Game Two last weekend. “We gave our best but our best was not enough to win the game, but I am proud of the boys for having reached this far. We just came from the lower division last season and within eight months we have played in the quarters of the premier league. For me that’s an achievement, but I know we would still do better especially after finishing the regular season in third place,” said Maina. The soft-spoken tactician has now shifted focus to next season hoping to do better. “We are going back to the drawing board and seeing where the rain started beating us, we are going to make a bit of some adjustments, and it will depend on some players who will still be there next season and hopefully we can get some new students coming in for the next semester,” noted Maina. “Nevertheless, I am proud of the boys, they have done well, if you look at the other team that was promoted with us that has been relegated, but I salute Tigers for reaching the quarter-finals,” he added. Tigers were promoted to the 2023-2024 men’s premier league alongside ABSA team, but the latter have been demoted to Division One. Defending champions KPA will be facing Strathmore Blades in the semi-final playoff, while league leaders City Thunder - who are unbeaten - will be facing Equity Dumas in the another semi-final which will be played in best-of-five series starting Friday.
Courtesy of: citizen.digital