Equity Bank Hawks tackles the University of Nairobi Dynamites in a Kenya National Basketball Federation playoff quarterfinals match at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium, Friday.
The opening best-of-three-game series match-up opener will tip off at 6 pm. It will be followed by a lower division tie pitting the United States International University (USIU) Tigers against the Blazers.
The bankers, who are back-to-back league winners in 2018 and 2019, are determined to wrestle the crown from a rampant Kenya Ports Authority who have so far not lost a game. Game Two is set for Sunday.
UoN coach Eugene Genga said the girls are approaching the end of semester exams so getting consistent training time has been hard. However, they hope to give the experienced bankers a run for their money.
“It's been a learning experience for the girls. We are in transition and for me, I am keen on improvement to avoid repeating previous mistakes from the Strathmore game," he noted.
Hawks head coach David Maina said his charges, who remain favourite to carry the day, have trained well and expected a good match.
“We have been working on our defence and tactics on how to play our offense. It's the quarter-finals and so we expect a tough opponent but we are ready for the challenge.”
USIU, who are making strides to return to the top tier, are upbeat after posting a 57-49 victory in Game One but coach George Mayienga admitted they will have to be cautious against the experience of Blazers led by ex-Tigers Yoni Wanambiro.
The other matches programmed for the weekend will see former national champions Ulinzi Warriors welcome Eldoret-based Eldonet Platinum. The soldiers' Erick Mutoro sunk 23 points in that 70-61 away triumph.
Strathmore University Swords will take on Storms in Game Two. The students are leading the series after posting a 45-29 win in the opener.
Joy Mupalia and Margaret Nerea enjoyed fine form in that match-up and are expected to keep Storms' dangerous Liz Abayo and Teresa Ekise at bay if they are to make the semi-finals.
Zetech University Sparks, who finished third in last year’s title race, have had a good season. They open their post-season campaign against Africa Nazarene University Panthers.
The two varsity sides’ tacticians Maurice Obilo of Sparks and Panthers Mike Oluoch have been unable to have their players train since they are either on holiday or are doing exams. But they will show up.
