15 October 2006

KENYA : Champs KPA take an early play-off lead

Kenya Ports Authority made a bright start to the 2006 basketball play-offs semi-final when they whitewashed Yana 77-51 in Game One at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium yesterday.

After having lost their unbeaten record to Telkom, who rocked them 52-46 last weekend, the dock women took court with caution against underdogs Yana.

KPA's Irene Murambi set the ball rolling with seven early points which included a three-pointer while experienced Miriam Awuor also grabbed five crucial field goals. The duo were responsible in KPA's 18-5 first quarter lead.

The match officiated by Cherubin Leslie of Mauritius and Elgaaly Mohammed of Egypt saw KPA again outscore Yana, who went dry for four minutes in the second quarter.

Yana's Ruth Wasike made a superb fight but KPA's Everline Akoth and Ethel Wakesho fired three-pointers at will as the winners raced to a huge 22-6 second quarter lead.

KPA, who leave for Gabon on Wednesday for the Africa club championship, faced little opposition and led 37-14 at half-time. On resumption, coach John Chasimba, of Yana reduced the tension with Carol Achieng remaining a big threat in outside shooting. Achieng's contribution saw Yana go into the offensive to lead 16-12 in the third quarter.

Achieng was on fire hitting three-three pointers in the last quarter in which KPA's international Gladys Wanyama and Wakesho were outstanding as they led 28-21. Wanyama scored a game-high 20 points, Murambi had 11 for KPA while Achieng shot 18 and team-mate Wasike managed 12 for Yana.

Assistant coach Sammy Wanjohi said the victory was a morale booster for KPA ahead of the continental championship. He said the team had prepared well and nothing would stop them from finishing in the medal bracket. Twelve teams from eight countries will take part in the Africa club championship in Gabon from October 21-29.

Yana coach Chasimba said: "The girls were tense in the first two quarters but after settling down we had a good game in the third and fourth quarters. We still have a chance to tie it 1-1 in Mombasa on November 4.'' The second women's play-offs semi-final features Telkom and Sprite Storms on November 4.

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