MAB end Lakeside’s run but Achola shines in comeback win

Moi Air Base (MAB) stunned Kisumu’s Lakeside basketball team in a dramatic 46-45 victory, ending the Lakers’ unbeaten Division One League streak at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

However, Lakeside bounced back with a commanding 77-60 win over Neosasa the following day, as star player Lameck Achola -Player of the Game- (pictured) delivered a stellar performance to keep their Premier League promotion hopes alive.

Lakeside began their game against MAB on a strong note, leading 16-14 in the first quarter and appearing poised to extend their unbeaten record of six matches in the Kenya National Basketball League (KNBL) Division One League.

However, the tides turned during the second quarter when MAB, the air force outfit, unleashed superior firepower, outscoring Lakeside 13-5 at the Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.

MAB maintained their dominance in the third quarter, extending their lead with a 13-9 scoreline.

Despite the setback, Lakeside, under the guidance of veteran coach Emmanuel Ochieng’, rallied in the fourth quarter, outscoring MAB 15-6. Their late-game resurgence, however, fell just short, with MAB narrowly winning by one point.

Speaking after the game, coach Ochieng’ attributed the narrow loss to the Christmas and New Year festivities, which disrupted the team’s training schedule.

“In sports, you sometimes lose. During our match against MAB, we were narrowly defeated because most of our key players had not resumed training after the holidays. We had to play with the few players available,” Ochieng’ said.

Ochieng’ expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, emphasising their focus on winning the remaining league matches to secure promotion to the KNBL Premier League next season.

True to his words, Lakeside defeated Neosasa 77-60 the following day, with Lameck Achola delivering an outstanding performance.

Achola scored 22 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, made 2 assists, and recorded 4 blocks, earning him the POG title.

Despite trailing by as many as 11 points during the game, Lakeside fought back to lock the scores at 35-35 by halftime. In the second half, they mounted a remarkable comeback.

After trailing 45-42 at one point, Lakeside surged to a 14-point lead, outscoring Neosasa 19-10 in the fourth quarter and registering five assists.

Achola’s efforts were complemented by teammates Ronald Kabete, who scored 16 points; Edgar Miheso and Brian Ondari, each with 7 points; Present Orengo and Trevor Gari, both with 6 points; Sila Awuor also with 6 points; Joshua Muhando with 4 points; David Omondi with 3 points; and Emmanuel Kiyaka, who contributed 1 point.