Kenya Morans started their FIBA AfroBasket Window 1 Qualifier on the wrong footing, losing 90-69 to Tunisia in a Group 'E' opener in Monastir on Friday evening.
Tunisia, the defending champions and two-time winners, had it too easy in fronf of their fans as they took a 25-11 first-quarter advantage.
Kenya, trailed 20-15 in the second and were down 45-26 at the break with Albert Odero being Morans only shining light. He showed class as he posted 14 points at this stage.
Tunisia went up by 21 points as soon as the third quarter started, but efforts by Morans Odero and Griffin Ligare brought them back into contention with a 20-19 edge.
Odero, a constant menace teamed up well with Ligare whose, back-to-back treys saw the Kenyans claw back 53-42.
Tunisia dangerman Lahiani then closed the third quarter when he drained a three for a 64-46 scoreline as the Kenyans struggled.
Immediately after the last quarter started, Tunisia pushed the lead back to 20 points.
Sensing the game was getting out of reach, Morans coach Cliff Owuor called a time out to stop the bleeding. The two-minute pep talk did nothing to help.
Odero had a big outing, leading the Morans charge with game-high 25 points. Lahiani bagged 14 for the winners.
In anothe Group B match played earlier, Eleven-time champions Angola dismissed Guinee 76-70 in a tough and closely fought Group 'B' encounter.
Kenya play Angola on Saturday.
