Zetech University Sparks coach Maurice Obilo said his young side must stay focused if they are to make their first Kenya National Basketball League playoffs finals.
The students took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five-game series after torching two-time national champions Equity Bank Hawks 73-57 in Game Two at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday. They had squeezed out a 75-72 win in the opener.
“My only challenge now is to be focused and prepare well for the next game, which is crucial for us,” said Obilo.
“I am happy we talked about our patience on offense and they came out very confident. They were patient today, unlike during the first game.”
He said it is not yet over, adding that they have several mistakes to correct in both back and frontcourts going into Game Three this weekend.
“We have a job to do. We still have several things to cover in practice,” he added.
Sparks led 22-16 in the first quarter, tied 18-18 in the second, and led 20-10 in the third before another deadlock (13-13) in the last.
Okot led Zetech with 17, Mary Lisa made 14 and Christine Akinyi had 12 points. Annerose Mandela, Betty Kananu and Melissa Akinyi picked 10 points each.
In the men's semis, Thunder beat Kenya Ports Authority 73-72 in Game Two to tie the series going into the final fixtures, which move to Makande Welfare Hall in Mombasa this weekend.
Sadat Gaya’s side took a deserved 21-9 cushion in the first stanza and never looked back. Griffin Ligale exploded for a season-high 36 points, Elias Guya had 12 and Thomas Kioko tallied 11.
“Our aggression and ability to match their physicality was important in getting the win. We didn’t do a great job the whole game but it was OK to get the win,” noted Gaya.
“No one believed in us though I believe we have a lot of things to clean up if we are going to get another win. We will approach it like it is a win-or-go-home game. The ressure is on.”
KPA, who are the top seed going into the postseason were lifted by Job Byron, who nailed 14 points while Lennox Wanje and veteran playmaker Victor Odendo grabbed 10 points each in that loss.
