KPA maul Congo's CNSS to pick first AWBL win in Egypt
Basketball
By
Washington Onyango
| Dec 12, 2023
Victoria Reynolds scored six of her eight three-point attempts to lead Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) with 23 as Madina Okot added 20 in the side's 82-46 win over CNSS.
The Antony Ojukwu-coached KPA were opening their campaign in the 10-team competition while CNSS were looking to redeem themselves having gone down 98-41 to hosts Alexandria Sporting Club on the opening day.
KPA struggled to find their rhythm, trailing 8-6 and 15-13 in a closely contested first quarter that witnessed five lead changes and 2 ties as Reynolds scored 8 of the Kenyan champions' 13 while Gracia Nguz led the scores with 6 for the Congolese side.
Whatever the visibly disgruntled Ojukwu told his charges in the 2-minute break before the second quarter worked wonders as KPA went on a yet-to-be-witnessed in this championship rally, shutting out CNSS for only 4 points while scoring 24.
Grace Tolo made a layup that took the score to 17-16 in her side's favour with just 40 seconds played in the quarter before the Dockers went on a 20-point rally to lead 36-17.
It was Tolo, again who came to her side's rescue just when they were about to finish the stanza with a mere two points, scoring two free throws for her side in the last 43 seconds for the clash to head to the break on a 37-19 scoreline.
"We started badly but were able to adjust in the second quarter and take a comfortable lead for the win. It was all about concentration and focus and we should have done better from the start.
The adjustment in the second quarter wasn't about skillsets, I just asked them to bring back the energy that we play with normally and the team desire for a win and that made the difference. They (CNSS) are a very physical team and we had to play smart," Ojukwu offered.
On resumption, Madina scored four in quick succession with Reynolds adding a trey for 44-19 as Dyana Pierre's hook shot extended KPA's dominance to 49-21 halfway through the third quarter.
CNSS played better in the last five minutes of the third period, scoring 10 to take their tally to 31 as Ojikwu's charges added 7 for 56 to head to the final stanza with a 25-point cushion.
A 26-15 final quarter score completed the onslaught for the Kenyans as they set the tone for what coach Ojukwu says is a marathon towards a podium finish.
"We are taking this competition one game at a time while believing we are one of the favourites. We will not underate any team as we want to finish in a good position for the next round," the tactician added.
Reynolds, who finished with 23 points added 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal to her tally as Madina picked a double-double with 18 rebounds, 5 steals and a block. Aminata Samassekou and Natalie Mwangale led the assists chart with 8 and 7 respectively. [Additional reporting by FIBA]