Thunder beat Phenoms 118-104 in a basketball tribute match held at the Kasarani International Sports Centre indoor arena to honour the late Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) chairman, Paul Otula.

The game, graced by officials from 10 national sports federations, drew scores of passionate fans, bringing back memories of the packed stands seen during last year’s BAL Elite 16 qualifiers in Nairobi.

During the match, basketball fans from across the country, many of whom support teams in the three-tier KBF league, nearly filled the venue to capacity.

Phenoms edged Thunder 39-30 in the first quarter, with KPA’s dreadlocked centre Spencor Morel (recently signed from a Central African Republic team) and teammate Tobias Odhiambo leading the scoring.

However, Thunder, featuring local stars like Taylor Ongwae and Albert Odero, along with import William Sidney Davis II under the guidance of coach Brad Ibs, shifted gears to dominate the second quarter 73-55.

They maintained control in the third quarter, leading 91-80 despite fierce resistance from Phenoms, who continued to push back through Morel, Odhiambo, and their teammates.

Thunder ultimately secured the win, closing the game at 118-104.

The Phenoms squad included players from Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Ulinzi Warriors and Nairobi-based USIU Tigers, among others, who teamed up to face Thunder in the high-energy tribute clash.

KBF Secretary General Angela Luchivya, speaking to People Sports after the thrilling and closely contested match, said, “Scores of fans streamed into Kasarani indoor court. The turnout was huge, almost like what we saw during the Road to BAL Elite 16 Stage qualifiers held here late last year.”