Aces tighten grip at summit as Obilo backs side to improve despite flat display

Stanbic Aces head coach Maurice Obilo believes his charges are steadily finding their rhythm after the National Women’s Basketball Premier League leaders defeated USIU Flames 63-46 at the USIU Grounds over the weekend.

The victory strengthened the bankers’ hold at the top of the table with 32 points from 17 matches, having recorded 15 wins this season. With five regular-season fixtures remaining, Aces remain firmly on course for a strong finish.

Despite the comfortable win, Obilo admitted his players were below their usual standards. “We did not play very well, but at least we won the game. We are picking up slowly, one game at a time,” said Obilo.

The coach blamed the subdued performance on disrupted preparations after evening rains and work commitments affected training during the week.

“Last week we were distracted by the evening rain, and some things were going on in the bank, so we did not really train well. But we are picking up,” he explained.

Obilo, however, is encouraged by the team’s growing understanding of his tactical system. “They are already understanding the system. We played better than we did against USIU in the first leg. Slowly, I believe they are getting it right, and we will be better as we continue playing and continue working,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lady Titans head coach Moses Musebe remains optimistic despite his side slipping to a 56-47 defeat against UoN Dynamites at the same venue.

The loss left the Kawangware-based newcomers with 19 points from 17 matches—after winning just two of their 17 league games. Musebe said his side lost focus in the final quarter, while injuries and player absences have made life difficult throughout their debut top-flight campaign.

“We relaxed in the fourth quarter, and I really didn’t keep an eye on it. Some of their guards were really good,” said Musebe. “One of the things making us struggle as a team is injuries to some of our major players, and a few players were also unavailable.”

Despite the setbacks, Musebe believes Lady Titans can still finish the season powerfully by making better decisions in the closing fixtures.

“Overall, we are trying to get locked in for the upcoming games and make key adjustments in how we approach the games, especially in reading plays that work for us. We are hoping that we can win our next few games,” he said.