Strathmore Blades Coach Tony Ochieng has said their 56-55 win over Thunder in the Kenya National Basketball League puts the team in a good position ahead of next year.
The students are battling leaders Kenya Ports Authority, Thunder, Ulinzi Warriors and Equity Bank Dumas for a top four finish.
"We did well by controlling our opponents from the three points line and we were good from threat online," offered Ochieng.
"We made 16 of 18 shots from the line and that was the difference. I will now encourage them to play in estate tournaments to keep fit for next year."
Garang Ding scored 18 points and Robert Odhiambo added 12 for the sharp Blades who held a 27-21 advantage at half time. Thunder had 16 points from Kenya Morans' captain Griffin Ligare while Thomas Kyalo added another 15.
"We had a slow start and then lost the game in the last four seconds on two critical turn overs," said Thunder's coach Sadat Gaya.
Moses Alier notched 35 points as he guided Umoja to a 60-55 stunner over former national champions Ulinzi Warriors in another game. Former women champions Equity Bank Hawks enjoyed a bright day as they thumped sad Storms 75-35 in the ladies tie.
Sharpshooting Betty Kananu led the bankers charge with game high 22 points and Maryann Nyagaki grabbed 12.
"Hopefully we can pick from where we have left when we. Resume next year. I've talked to the players to maintain their fitness. "In the lower division matches, Absa shot down Moi Air Base (MAB) 56-54 while Mustangs downed Neosasa 56-42 in another game.
These were the last fixtures of the year as the league will take Christmas break resuming in January 2023.
