LUCKY CHANCE

RBK, Noga heads to Red Bull 3x3 finals after triumph at the nationals

The men's winning team included Kenya Morans regular star guard Griffin Ligare, James Mwangi, Derrick Olang, and Mathew Kibet.

In Summary

•The two teams booked the tickets after their exploits during the national championship played at the United States International University (USIU) courts.

•Ligare, a master five-on-five player, said the 3x3 is a different style of basketball that is quick and entertaining

Christine Akinyi (R) with 3x3 basketball teammates Daisy Ayodi (L) and Caroline Njeri in a past event
Christine Akinyi (R) with 3x3 basketball teammates Daisy Ayodi (L) and Caroline Njeri in a past event
Image: FILE

RBK men and Noga Ladies will represent the country in the Red Bull 3x3 Finals World Tour at the Red Bull Half Court USA in September.

The two teams booked the tickets after their exploits during the national championship played at the United States International University (USIU) courts.

RBK thumped Bands 20-14 to claim the men's title while Noga had to use every trick in the book before emerging 11-10 winners over Swan in the ladies' finals. 

The men's winning team included Kenya Morans regular star guard Griffin Ligare, James Mwangi, Derrick Olang, and Mathew Kibet.

Mwangi, who also got a call-up to the national side, proved tough to handle to the opponents by tossing in seven points while Ligare registered six.

Olang and Kibet also got on the scoresheet after tossing in five and two respectively in the win. 

The losers were led by league Most Valuable Player (MVP) Eugene Adera with nine points while Kennedy Wachira added the other five.

Ligare, a master five-on-five player, said the 3x3 is a different style of basketball that is quick and entertaining. "We relied on fast reaction, and working together to get the win. We shared the basketball, and ran game actions to get the best shot." 

"Our tactics worked today and have given us the win. We will work hard in training to be better ahead of the finals," he added.

In the ladies' final match, Beryl Aoko and Ashley Minayo bagged five each while Agnes Kambua shot one to earn Noga the win and book their ticket to the finals.

Swan's Joy Mupalia, Jemimah Knight and Christine Akinyi's efforts were not enough to overcome a determined Noga side. Mupalia scored five while Jemimah and Akinyi had three and two goals respectively.