Equity Bank Dumas head coach David Maina says his charges' victory over Kenya Ports Authority in Mombasa on Saturday was a result of hard work.
The bankers eclipsed the Porters 72-70 in a tight end-to-end duel in a Kenya National Basketball League encounter at the Makande Welfare Hall.
"The boys played well and even when we were down by nine points at halftime, they never gave up," offered Maina.
The win saw table-topping Equity Bank bag 40 points to leapfrog Ulinzi Warriors who have 38. Both teams have completed their fixtures.
Despite the heroics of his boys who lost the first leg in Nairobi, Maina however, said they are still not favoured to claim their first national title.
"It is too early to say it is our year but definitely we are fighting for the championship."
To be able to achieve that feat, he said the team will have to work more on their defence ahead of the playoff matches.
Dumas picked up in the third stanza with a 25-14 blitz and Maina noted that the never-say-die-spirit they showed worked out for them.
The unfailing backcourt combination of Victor Ochieng and Victor Bosire did most of the damage as the duo poured in 14 points each.
KPA recovered the following day to whip Umoja 95-63. Benjamin Muga notched 21 points and Lennox Wanje sunk 18—pushing their points tally to 39 with two games to play.
Reigning women champions KPA remain the only unbeaten side after getting a walkover against Eagle Wings who failed to show up.
KPA had crushed Equity Bank Hawks 89-43 in a one-sided game that gave coach Anthony Ojukwu confidence of going all the way.
"Mombasa is now a hot venue for visiting teams. We are going all out to defend our crown and we are determined to do it with a clean record."
Natalie Akinyi led the onslaught with 23 points, Hilda Indasi poured in 16, Ifunaya Okoro hit 12 and Belinda Okoth added 11 in the win.
"We did not show up today. We expect to go back to the drawing board," Maina said on the big game.
Natalie Akinyia led the KPA onslaught with 23 points while Hilda Indasi poured in another 16. Ifunaya Okoro hit 12 and Belinda Okoth added 11.
In matches played at the Africa Nazarene University (ANU) hall, the home team Wolfpacks fell 59-55 to Strathmore University.
Two late foul shots by Diana Musing ensured Storms prevailed 59-55 over Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat).
Eldonets Platinum returned home with the maximum harvest after they dimmed ANU 62-57 in a closely fought fight to bag their 33 points.
