Zetech University Sparks and Equity Bank Dumas will make their debut in the Kenya National Basketball League play-off finals if they win their respective Game Three matches at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium on Saturday.
Also on the verge of sailing through are reigning women champions Kenya Ports Authority, who host Strathmore University Swords at the Makande Welfare Hall in Mombasa. However, they have another chance on Sunday if they slip up.
The three teams have a 2-0 series advantage in the best-of-five-game series after last week’s results. Sparks dismissed Equity Bank Hawks 75-71 and 73-49 while Dumas beat Ulinzi Warriors 73-66 and 69-58. KPA are up 71-39 and 78-37 against Swords.
The experienced Hawks have an uphill task against the youthful Sparks who have given it their best shot. Melissa Akinyi, Shilalei Shani, and Betty Kananu have no choice but to bring their A-game to the table.
Sparks will rely on the exploits of Medina Okot, Mary Lisa, Chantal Kiyobe, Christine Akinyi, Naomi and Maureen Bosibori who have played extremely well.
“We are okay; we trained on Tuesday and we are training again today (Thursday). So far, there is no injury we are all good,” Sparks’ coach Maurice Obilo said.
Warriors have lost four times in a row to Dumas now and it remains to be seen what coach Bernard Mufutu will do to avoid a sweep.
Expect Eric Mutoro to come out firing, but he must get help from Antonio Bwire and William Ochieng. Victor Bosire, Victor Ochieng, Faheem Juma, James Mwangi, and Lension Kisia have done well and are expected to lead the bankers' charge to their first finals.
Dumas coach Carey Oketch said: “Making it this far was hard, we didn’t know what to expect. Last year, we were 2-0 up against KPA and still lost. We must remain focused to progress.”
KPA women should dispatch Swords without breaking much sweat as they have enough firepower from the backcourt led by Nigerian Ifunaya Okoro, Hilda Indasi and Natalie Akinyi.
The men’s side on the other hand welcome Thunder with the series deadlocked 1-1. The porters, playing in front of their home fans, haven’t lost a game at home.
“We will finish the series on Sunday, We are training well and will make it really tight for them in Mombasa,” offered KPA’s veteran guard Victor Odendo who provided 21 points in the two games.
But Job Byron, Lennox Wanje and John Wiljass will have to work hard to stop Thunder’s dangerous shooter Griffin Ligare who poured in play off high of 36 points in Game Two.
