The Nyayo Basketball Court served as the focal point for the Kenyan Basketball League (KBL) playoffs yesterday, with Game 2 of the quarterfinals taking center stage amidst a charged atmosphere.
The matchup between the Strathmore Swords and USIU Flames was highly anticipated, as both women’s teams had demonstrated potential throughout the season. However, the game took an unexpected turn shortly after tip-off.
Within minutes of the first quarter, officials halted play due to player irregularities, sparking rumors and speculation among spectators. After consulting with the officials committee, it was decided to temporarily suspend the game pending further investigation.
The fate of both the Strathmore Swords and USIU Flames remains uncertain as the league awaits the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.
In the final match of the day, the men’s teams, Strathmore Blades and USIU Tigers, clashed in their own Game 2 showdown. Unlike the suspended game earlier, this matchup between the Blades and Tigers was a high-energy affair that captivated the audience from start to finish.
Both teams displayed impressive skills and determination, with the Strathmore Blades particularly standing out with their sharp shooting and dominance in the paint. Despite a close first half, with the Tigers leading 38 to the Blades’ 35, the Blades surged ahead in the second half to secure victory.
With this win, the Strathmore Blades not only triumphed in Game 2 but also completed a clean sweep of the best-of-three series, having convincingly won Game 1 as well with a score of 81-52.
The team, under the leadership of coach Tony Ochieng, celebrated their qualification for the semifinals, marking a moment of pride and reflection for Coach Ochieng and his players.
“Fantastic job from my players,” Coach Ochieng praised his team in a post-game interview.
“We must also give our opponents credit for scouting our plays and making it difficult for us to penetrate.
“At halftime, we made some adjustments that really impacted the game. We needed more shots, and they came through when it mattered most.”
He added: “I am very happy for the boys, especially considering our journey this season. From being at the bottom of the league in the first leg to pushing up to sixth position in the second leg, and now here we are in the semis. It’s a testament to their hard work and resilience. Now, we focus on preparing for our next challenge against Kenya Ports Authority.”
