Kenya Basketball Federation season finally reaches its peak with finalists to face off
By Gibo.Zachary, February 16, 2022
After gruelling months of intriguing regular league action, quarter finals semi finals playoffs ties, the 2021/2022 Kenya Basketball Federation season has finally reached its peak with finalists set to face off in a potentially explosive showdown starting this weekend.
Men’s reigning champions Ulinzi Warriors will take on KPA with current women title holders Equity Hawks facing KPA women’s side in the finals.
The Warriors and the Hawks are seeking to successfully defend their men’s and women’s titles while former champions KPA men and women are looking to lift the league titles they lost to their nemesis in the previous seasons.
The winners will secure tickets to represent the country in the 2022 regional and continental championship.
En route to the finals, Warriors, Equity Hawks, and KPA Women completed a sweep over their semi finals opponents while KPA men had to come from 2-0 down to knockout Equity Dumas 3-2 to sail through to the finals.
“After we lost the first two games, we really put ourselves in a very difficult situation to turn tables but we kept the belief and told each other, it’s five games and we’re still in the game. I am, therefore, happy that we’ve made it to the finals. It was awesome from the boys, great defence and offence, and good teamwork,” KPA men’s head coach Sammy Kiki said.
Ulinzi Warriors swept aside Strathmore University Blades 3-0 (78-54; 79-66; 94-86), Equity Hawks outplayed Zetech University 3-0 (50-45; 66-58; 66-53) as KPA Women overpowered Storms 3-0 (79-33; 89-61; 83-39).
KPA men trailed 2-0 (66-78 and 54-64) in Games One and Two but came back strong in games three (81-66), four (75-56) and five (66-54) to sail through even though the Bankers have protested Game Five outcome after fans invaded the pitch.
“There were 59 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter when my player had a dunk and due to excitement, fans walked into the court in celebration and Equity decided to walk out. We were leading 66 to 54 at the time and they have protested, so we are waiting for KBF and the technical committee to decide,” Kiki said.