KPA makes it two wins in a row at Africa Women's Basketball League
Basketball
By
Washington Onyango
| Dec 13, 2023
Aminata Samassekou of KPA in action against Customs. [FIBA]
In the Africa Women's Basketball League (AWBL), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) showcased resilience, overcoming a slow start to secure a commanding 73-53 victory against Nigeria's Customs on the tournament's third day on Wednesday.
After their initial triumph against DR Congo's CNSS on Tuesday, KPA continued their winning streak, with Victoria Reynolds leading the charge with 21 points, supported by Antoinette Bannister's 12-point contribution.
Despite a shaky first quarter and trailing 18-17, KPA dominated the paint with 14 points against Customs' 6.
Demonstrating a familiar script from their previous match, KPA executed a remarkable 19-0 run in the second quarter, turning the tide in their favor and entering halftime with a 45-26 lead.
Coach Antony Ojukwu acknowledged the team's shaky starts and emphasized the need to address them.
Despite a brief lapse in the third quarter, where KPA gave away the ball five times, they maintained a 20-point lead throughout the final period, securing a 73-53 triumph.
Olaoluwatomi Taiwo, who contributed 12 points, admitted to an unfocused performance, echoing the sentiments of Coach Abdulrahman Mohammed.
The coach highlighted the challenge of finding a matchup for KPA's Madina Okot, whose impressive stats (10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 blocks) contributed significantly to KPA's advantage.
With a 2-0 record in Group A, KPA looks forward to their remaining matches in the tournament.