Equity Bank Dumas head coach David Maina is happy after his side avoided Game Three in the race to the Kenya National Basketball Federation semifinal playoffs.
The bankers beat University of Nairobi Terrorists 76-64 in Game Two to reach the semis following a resounding 87-68 win in Game One.
"We are happy we have qualified for the semifinals without playing three games. We will start our preparations immediately to correct the mistakes we made in the two games," said Maina.
Victor Ochieng led the way with 19 points while Lenson Kisia buried 14 for Dumas. Collins Nyamneya sunk 19 for the students.
Maina's counterpart, Eugene Genga, said: "It's something to build on. We had a lot of first-timers in the playoffs. Lessons learnt this year. They will make us stronger.”
Sadat Gaya-coached Thunder also qualified for the playoff semis following a 62-61 win over Strathmore University Blades in a thrilling encounter.
"We struggled to get at the board. There are so many areas we need to clean up. What got us here won’t get us to the next level," said Gaya.
"My players and coaches refused to lose. They fought till the games were over. We now have two weeks to prepare before our next matchup."
Thomas Mbaka and Thomas Kioko had a good afternoon, posting 14 points each for Thunder. Denis Koja grabbed Blades' 19 points and Bradon Ouche added 10.
Blades tactician Tony Ochieng said: "We did everything we could. We played the game of our lives but luck was not on our side. We shall reflect. I think having no games for the past month affected us."
In the top women's game, Strathmore University Swords led 25-16 at the break and went on to dismiss Storms 45-29 to have one foot in the semifinals.
"Playoffs have their own pressure. We won but we didn't play so well. If we make the semis, I will say we have done well against an experienced side," observed Swords' Ronny Owino.
Joy Mupalia caused all sorts of problems, sinking 15 points for the winners while Teresa Ekisa managed 10 for the losers.
Equity Bank will face the winners of the clash between Ulinzi Warriors and Eldoret Platinum.
The soldiers are leading 1-0 after a 71-60 triumph in Eldoret. The other semis will pit Thunder against the winners of the match between Kenya Ports Authority and Kenyatta University Pirates.
The two games are in Mombasa.
In the lower Division, Strathmore University Swords Team Two dismissed Scarlets 51-44 to advance.
