USIU-A Flames break Strathmore Swords winning streak

Former Kenya Basketball Federation Women’s Premier League Champions United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Flames were in red-hot form as they defeated Strathmore University Swords 54-41 at Nyayo Gymnasium.

Flames, who are the only university side to have won the prestigious league trophy, ended Swords’ unbeaten run even as they made it three wins out three.

Judith Pantaleo was in superb form outwitting Swords defence to score at will for a match high 22 points. Captain Joy Mupalia led a lackluster Strathmore side with 11 points.

The 2015 league champions showed their intentions to carry the day with a 19-11 first quarter lead thanks to Pantaleo’s good start to the game that saw her score an impressive 13 points in the first 10 minutes.

Flames stretched their advantage to 14 points at halftime after scoring 16 points against Swords' 10.

The Swords took the third quarter 10-8, but it seemed like the gods of basketball had decided the outcome of the match in favour of Flames, who took the final period 11-10.

Zetech University Sparks beat University of Nairobi (UoN) Dynamites 50-38 to keep their 100 percent win record.

Sparks, defending champions Equity Bank Hawks and USIU-A Flames are the only sides yet to taste defeat. 

On Saturday, Zetech had overpowered second on the log Stanbic Aces 58-36 to register their fourth win of the season.

Zetech coach Maurice Obilo said so far, his relatively new side is doing well and they have to keep the momentum.

“Most of them (players) are new because we are rebuilding after the departure of our experienced players. So far, I can say they are doing well but it is a learning process that must continue so they can get better so they can improve and be able to face any opponent,” Obilo said.

In the men’s title chase, defending champions Nairobi City Thunder continued with their winning ways, thumping USIU-A Tigers 85-67 to maintain their flawless record.

Thunder, who won their maiden league title last season on an unbeaten run, are looking to achieve the same feat again this season.

Despite his side losing, Tigers’ Joshua Athian was the star of the match sinking 28 points for the students who were looking to register their third win.

Evergreen Garang Diing led Thunder with 23 points in a tie that would see them lead 43-31 at the breather.

In another men’s Premier League encounter, Stanbic Shields dismissed National Bank of Kenya (NBK) Phoenix 68-51.