Zetech University Sparks on Sunday torched Strathmore University Swords 69-26 to lift the Sterling Under-23 Championship at Nyayo National Stadium gymnasium.
The winners got the game off to a bright start after a Medina Okot basket saw them take a 14-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
The losers did not get their groove in the second stanza as Sparks grabbed a comfortable 40-18 lead as the two varsity sides went to the break.
In the third quarter, nothing worked for Swords as they went blunt with Zetech surging ahead 12-4 and finishing the job with another 17-4 margin.
“We really played well. We have been playing in this tournament for four years now and we have never won it. I am happy for the girls for making it this time round,” offered Sparks' coach Maurice Obilo.
Veronica Ayoo tallied 12 points and Marsha Oook managed another 10 points for sparkling Zetech. Margaret Nerea was the only Strathmore player, who hit double digits as she had 10.
“We had a poor game. We played way below par. We allowed them to hit several three-pointers that unlocked the game for them .We allowed second shots and penetration. Generally, very poor defence," lamented Swords coach Ronny Owino.
Rampaging Sparks dismissed Lady Rebels 57-11 in the semi-finals as Okot tossed in 13 points and Lavender Opondo dropped 11.
In another semis, Swords had to fight tooth and nail before dispatching Africa Nazarene University (ANU) 62-55. Joyce Otiende made 16, Nerea shot 11 and Faith Kogei had 10 points.
ANU did well to claim the third place after they pipped Lady Rebels 45-41 in a closely fought encounter. The under-20 show for both men and women has been planned in three weeks.
