United States International University (USIU) Flames are still not up there with the best despite their stunning 48-33 victory over Storms in a Kenya National Basketball League.
Coach George Mayienga said despite the positive result, the team is still a work in progress as he replaced many of his key players who are no longer with the team.
"The team is still not where I want them to be. We have just played two games and I do hope they will learn from the different matches they play as the league progresses,” he observed.
The students raced away to a 26-10 advantage at the breather but were pegged down in the third as Storms raced up 17-13. But they grittily hanged on 9-6 in the deciding stanza to carry the day.
“I am worried about their fitness level and this I will have to work on. They have good shooters and ball handlers and came at us after halftime in an effort to recover, but we stood firm.”
“I have new players in the team and I want to bring everybody on board. But the win was a real morale booster and we will pick it up from there,” Mayienga said.
Fridah Vegomba led the Flames' scoring tally with 13 points and Devine Irakoze added another 11 for the students. Brunah Sakala managed to post 11 for the losers.
Equity Bank Hawks dismissed Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUATS) “Lynx” 65-33 to add to their 53-47 victory over USIU.
Playmaker Brenda Ngaira scored 12 points, Rachael Akinyi made 11 while Cynthi Mawero hit 1o for Hawks. The Juja-based students trailed 24-14 at halftime.
“It was a good game. We ought to have scored more as we had many chances that we did not convert. We are rebuilding as six of our payers graduated.” Offered Lynx coach Mary Chepkoi.
Absa brought Umoja down to earth with a 67-59 shocker, the result coming a day after they also upset Strathmore University Blades 64-54 in the men’s match-up.
An 11-4 run in the third quarter ensured Absa earned their first win. Collins Odhiambo provided 12 points and Tony Mbori 11 for the bankers. Umoja had 13 points apiece from Julius Athiambo and Douglas Kitavi.
In the lower division match, Zetech University Titans punished Jkuat Stray Cats 70-64.
