Sticking to game plan key in win over Ulinzi, says Swords' Ochieng'

The students trailed 10-17 in the first quarter but shot up as Ulinzi posted under 10 points in the second and third quarters.

by DANN OWERRE

Lifestyle26 February 2024 - 12:46

In Summary

• “I had a full house and we gave everyone a role. We cut off their post plays and matched their guards. It was nice to see the boys restrict them to only six points in the second quarter,” said Ochieng.

• Jack Waweru scored 14 points and Brandon Ouche added 13. The soldiers had a combined 15 points from Brans Nzioka and Antonio ‘Chief’ Bwire.

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Ulinzi’s Brian Omondi (5) during a KBF match against KPA at Nyayo Stadium

Strathmore University Swords coach Tony Ochieng said sticking to their game plan was key to their 47-39 win over Ulinzi Warriors in a Kenya National Basketball Federation League encounter at United States International on Sunday.

The students trailed 10-17 in the first quarter but shot up as Ulinzi posted under 10 points in the second and third quarters. Swords led 10-6 and 10-2 and 17-14 in the last three stanzas.

“I had a full house and we gave everyone a role. We cut off their post plays and matched their guards. It was nice to see the boys restrict them to only six points in the second quarter,” said Ochieng.

“Today we complemented each other in all aspects and most importantly, we made 10 out of 12 free throws in the last two minutes.”

Jack Waweru scored 14 points and Brandon Ouche added 13. The soldiers had a combined 15 points from Brans Nzioka and Antonio ‘Chief’ Bwire.

USIU also completed a double over Equity Bank Dumas with a 64-59 stunner. The students trailed 20-16 in the first quarter but took the second 19-8 and the third 16-12.

The bankers had a 19-13 edge in the last. Deng Kuol sunk 14 points and Darlington Sezani had 10 for USIU. Titus Musembi and Thomas Kioko had 19 and 10 respectively for the bankers.

At the Menengai High School, Nakuru, USIU Flames welcomed Hilda Indasi back into the team with a 56-26 win over Swish. Judith Pantaleo scored 13 points and Devine Irakoze 11.

“Hilda is back to the side and her presence will be key. Her experience and confidence will motivate the girls,” noted USIU coach George Mayienga.

Swish also fell 61-24 to champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). Vilma Achieng, Grace Iraebu and Rita Aluoch nailed 10 points each for the port women.

In Eldoret, Eldonets Platinum pipped University of Nairobi Terrorists 55-53 but lost 61-49 to Africa Nazarene University Wolfpacks.

In the women’s matches, Eldonets hit ANU Panthers 57-50 and UoN Dynamites 57-51.

In the Lower Division matches, Jeff Onyango was good for 26 points as Moischers blanked Hope 73-44 and Stanbic Shields beat Strathmore University Blades 58-47.

The ladies’ matches saw Safe Spaces drown Multi Media University (MMU) 81-20, Stanbic Aces dismissed Footprints 41-31 and Kenya College of Accountancy University 44-30.